#Optimization Of Your Health And Performance - How?

[techdriveplay]

How to Stay Hydrated During Workouts

Staying hydrated is crucial for anyone engaging in physical activity. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, understanding how to stay hydrated during workouts can significantly impact your performance and overall health. Water makes up about 60% of our body weight, and it plays a vital role in many bodily functions, including temperature regulation, joint…

[l4ndoflove]

the winner takes it all

[E] suicide attempt (sleeping pills overdose), social media hate, mental health struggles, depression (lmk if i missed anything)

feat. lando norris

lyrics preview when oscar wins in bahrain, lando loses everything: credibility, respect... and almost his life, too

maddie i'm tired of people hating on lando for literally no reason, so i wrote about it

2045 words

The race had gone… good. Not great, but not necessarily bad either.

Sure, receiving a five-second penalty for overshooting his grid box at the start wasn’t exactly optimal, but Lando had still managed to get a podium, going from P6 to P3. And you really thought—you hoped—that would be enough for him.

But the moment you saw him stepping up there, you knew it wasn’t.

He did everything right, as if it was all part of a routine he’d learned to perform like some kind of circus monkey: wave, clap, smile. Repeat. He took his trophy, listened to the anthem, sprayed the champagne—turning his back to Oscar and going straight for Andrea.

Rookie mistake.

The media noticed. Of course they did. Had they ever missed anything when it came to Lando, after all?

Within minutes, the clip of him “ignoring” his teammate had gone viral, and suddenly, it was Hungary 2024 all over again. The usual criticism was quick to follow:

he is a good driver but actually so incredibly immature

grow up Lando, you win some and lose some

Piastri making strides 💪 Lando going backwards

It always ended up with people spitting venom at him at every given opportunity—even for something as stupid as this—so you didn’t give it much thought, praying that Lando would do the same.

When you scrolled down your Instagram page, however, your heart clenched at the sight of his post-race interview, already trending on every F1-related account. He was clearly disappointed with the result, the car… himself.

You opened the comments, expecting to find, if not sympathy, at least some basic human decency.

But you should’ve known better.

yes lando you aren’t good enought

This guy is not a world champion 😂😂

If you can’t handle your emotions, you’re not strong enough. Thats why he never wins a worldtitle

During his rookie days I’d have some sympathy but now he just looks like a whiney child

He will be 2nd driver soon

Tears clouded your vision as you clutched the phone so hard you thought it might break.

You wished it did.

Maybe that would’ve finally erased the cruelty, the hate, the insults people apparently liked to throw at a 25-year-old boy who was already carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders—a world that was ready to jump at his throat the moment he slipped up.

You needed to find him before something like that could happen again. So you ran.

The cooldown room was still buzzing with electricity when you stormed in, the kind that lingers only after champagne-soaked celebrations and loud smiles. Your eyes searched every corner of it, looking for a curly head they didn’t find, landing on Oscar instead, drenched from head to toe and radiating happiness while he chatted with Zak.

“Hey,” he smiled warmly as soon as he spotted you, his expression shifting immediately when he noticed how tense yours was. “Something wrong?”

“Lando?” It wasn’t an answer, but you hoped Oscar would catch on either way.

You didn’t like how he frowned in confusion instead.

“He told me he was going back to the hotel with you,” he explained, brows furrowed.

Your stomach dropped, color draining from your face.

Panic.

The second he saw your reaction, it clicked in his head, too. “Wait, why would he…”

You didn’t let him finish—just turned around and left, sprinting out of the paddock like your life depended on it.

Because, even if yours didn’t, Lando’s might.

And you knew what Oscar was about to say. It was the same question that gnawed at you as you ran one red light after the other, your mind going faster than your car ever could.

Why would he lie about where he is?

***

The silence hit you like a slap in the face when you finally entered the hotel room.

Not welcoming. Not peaceful.

Empty.

Like something was missing.

There was no background music playing in the kitchen, no faint chattering coming from the TV you usually left on, no white noise of any sort… just eerie, deafening silence.

But your boyfriend didn’t do silence.

He hated it.

“Lando?” Your voice echoed off the walls. Too loud. Too scared. “Baby, it’s me.”

Still nothing.

You paced around the apartment like a ghost, looking for any sign of his presence in the shadows that crowded the place.

It was the bathroom light, bleeding through the darkness from beneath a half-open door, that ended up catching your attention. You reached for it like a moth to a flame, gaze dropping to the floor as soon as you found yourself in the doorway.

Your knees followed it.

He was there. Slumped against the wall, his head lolling sideways, fingers wrapped loosely around a bottle of sleeping pills.

When you took it from his hand to check it, there were only a few of them left.

You almost threw up.

“Lando. No, no, no, shit–Lando, wake up. Baby, please, wake up, don’t do this to me–” Tears streamed down your cheeks, his name falling out of your mouth like a plea as you gently cupped his jaw with your palms.

His eyelids fluttered open at the sound of your voice. Slow. Heavy. As if something so simple had suddenly become incredibly painful.

“That’s it, baby. Just keep your eyes open for me, okay? Stay awake, I’m here. I’m here.” You kept repeating that last sentence like a mantra, running one of your hands through his curls while you rushed to dial the emergency number with the other, your fingers shaking so much you only got it right on the third try.

You didn’t give the operator on the other end a chance to speak when they finally picked up, a river of disconnected sentences flowing out of your mouth—he’s barely conscious, he took some pills, I don’t know how many, please hurry up.

Then, just as you were about to hang up, his lips parted, a whisper so low you could’ve imagined it pushing past them.

“I fucked up.”

Yes, you fucked up, you wanted to scream, but the relief of finally hearing his voice, of knowing he could still breathe, only brought more tears to your eyes.

“You’re okay.” Lie. “You’re okay, and that’s all that matters. You hear me? Just–” you choked on your words. “Just stay with me, please.”

“M’tired.” His voice was hoarse, scraping his throat like he’d been screaming for hours. Maybe he had.

“I know, baby, I know,” you sobbed, pressing your forehead against his—raw, desperate, alive. “But hold on a little longer. Just a little, okay? Shit, Lan, I’m sorry....”

I’m sorry I didn’t see it coming.

***

The next few hours were a blur.

Red and blue lights. White gowns.

You refused to let go of Lando’s hand while the paramedics loaded him into the ambulance, holding it even tighter when they put needles into his arms and ran fluids through his veins, your fingers linked to his like a lifeline.

For him or yourself, you didn’t know anymore.

They told you he was lucky. That if you hadn’t found him and acted so quickly, he could’ve–

You didn’t want to think about it.

Which was hard when the only thing you could see was how frail your boyfriend looked on that bed, his skin as pale as the blanket he was tucked under, small and helpless like a child.

You didn’t leave his side for a second, caressing his face with the same gentleness and care of a mother while you lulled him softly—allowing yourself to pretend.

Pretend he’d just gone back to sleep after a bad dream.

Pretend he wasn’t surrounded by machines that lived for him after he stopped trying to.

Pretend you didn’t almost give up, too, when you saw him limp on the bathroom floor back at the hotel.

It was 3 a.m. when he finally gave the first signs of life.

A beep on the monitor. A sharp, weak inhale as he stirred.

He blinked.

“You’re awake,” you choked out a laugh, relief washing over you as you took his hand between your trembling ones and planted a kiss on his knuckles.

His skin beneath your lips felt warm, familiar.

The chuckle that left his, not so much.

“You’re surprised.”

Bitterness. Guilt. Shame.

You froze and glanced up at him, a chill running down your spine at the insinuation hidden behind his words.

He didn’t meet your gaze.

“Lando.”

He flinched, staring at the ceiling like he couldn’t stand the idea of seeing the reflection of his mistake on your face if he turned toward you instead.

As if it was easier to ignore you rather than acknowledge your concern.

“Lando, look at me. Please.”

You heard it before you saw it: his breath hitching when you begged him. Begged him to let you in, to show you the demons he’d been carrying alone for too long—so long that they’d almost taken over him.

Then, a single tear ran down his cheek.

And another.

And another.

Until he couldn’t stop them anymore, and they just kept spilling from his eyes, each one heavier than the one before.

Without a second thought, you crawled into bed beside him, letting him bury his face in the crook of your neck as you muttered sweet nothings against his temple, fighting to hold yourself together and be strong for the both of you.

“I’m sorry,” he cried, violent sobs racking his chest. Your hands drew soothing paths down his back, and you wished that could be enough to stop his shoulders from shaking like there was an earthquake wrecking him from the inside.

“For what, baby?” you asked, voice laced with the kind of sadness that only witnessing the person you love trying to self-destroy himself could bring.

“For... being like this. I hate it. I fucking hate it. And I don’t–” he gasped, out of breath. “–shit, I don’t know how to fix it.”

“Because you don’t have to. There’s nothing to fix, Lan. I know people expect you to, but you’re not a robot. You’re a human being, and you’re allowed to break. Okay?”

“It hurts,” he sniffled, though you could feel the tension starting to leave his body under your touch.

He lay there for what felt like hours, curled into your side like a baby while you held him close to your heart, hoping he’d hear how fast it beat and realized that it only ached for him.

The first rays of light filtered through the small hospital window when Lando’s breathing finally slowed down, matching your own.

You almost thought he'd fallen asleep—peaceful, at last—but then you felt him shift against you, his brown locks tickling your throat when he pulled back slightly to look up at you.

His eyes were glassy and red-rimmed, eyelashes sticking together, wet with tears, but still undeniably, utterly him.

“I didn’t want to die,” he whispered, realization dawning on him as soon as those words left him mouth.

You didn’t miss the flicker of fear in his gaze, either: it terrified him thinking about how close he’d been to ending it all—when he actually didn’t want to.

“I was just... tired, I guess.” He sighed deeply, almost to prove his point. He really did look exhausted. “And they were getting too loud.”

“Who? People online? You know I always tell you not to worry about what they sa–”

“The voices in my head.”

The way he said it, as if that was something he’d learned to live with the hard way, was like a punch to the gut.

“Then you scream louder. And I’ll scream with you until the only voices you can hear are yours and mine. Because it’s you who should have the power to silence them, not the other way around. Understood?”

He nodded, weak but trustful, his wide eyes a sea of blue and green as you stared into them.

“I love you,” you added, gently brushing your lips against his forehead. “Even when you think nobody does.”

“Promise?” he croaked, voice breaking as he nuzzled closer into the comforting heat of your chest.

“Promise.”

© 2025 l4ndoflove. all rights reserved.

[astrologydray]

Ruler of the 6th through the houses

This is where we get into daily life, service, work, wellness, and routine. Think of it as your “how I get sh*t done” energy — the ruler of your 6th house shows what area of life demands the most effort, structure, or healing🖤.

6th House Ruler in the 1st House

You are your own project.

Your identity is wrapped in your work ethic and wellness. People see you as productive, reliable, and self-improving. You’re the type to biohack, optimize, or self-discipline like a boss. You serve: Yourself, your goals, your growth. Wellness style: Actively engaged with body + health. “My body is my schedule — and my brand.”

6th House Ruler in the 2nd House

You work for stability + values.

You’re motivated by security, comfort, and building something solid. You probably have a slow-and-steady daily rhythm and need to feel grounded in your routine. You serve: Through practical help + financial support. Wellness style: Nourishment, somatic care, massage. “My routine = my resource.”

6th House Ruler in the 3rd House

Your mind is always working.

You thrive on movement, communication, and mental stimulation. You may multitask like a machine and keep a busy schedule. Writing, teaching, or running errands = daily bread. You serve: Through ideas, words, and helpful info. Wellness style: Breathwork, nervous system care, mobility. “My calendar is color-coded chaos — and I love it.”

6th House Ruler in the 4th House

Your home is your office or temple.

You crave comfort and emotional security in your daily rhythm. You may work from home or be drawn to caretaking professions. Wellness comes from emotional safety. You serve: Family, home, emotional healing. Wellness style: Nourishing food, rest, inner child care. “My peace starts at home.”

6th House Ruler in the 5th House

You work with passion or not at all.

You thrive when your work lights you up. You bring creativity to your job, and you may serve others through play, art, children, or entertainment. You’re here to infuse joy into the mundane. You serve: Through performance, love, creativity. Wellness style: Movement, pleasure, artistic release. “If it’s not fun, it’s not sustainable.”

6th House Ruler in the 6th House

You were born for systems, routines + service.

You’re naturally drawn to work, health, and structure. You may have a career in healthcare, healing, or support roles. Routines come naturally — but beware of overworking. You serve: Through consistency, integrity, mastery. Wellness style: Functional, optimized, routine-based. “Structure sets me free.”

6th House Ruler in the 7th House

You show up for others.

You serve through partnerships — whether romantic, business, or client-based. Your work may involve 1:1 relationships, and wellness improves when your relationships are in harmony. You serve: Lovers, clients, collaborators. Wellness style: Balance, connection, mirrored growth. “Your peace = my peace.”

6th House Ruler in the 8th House

You work in the shadows.

You may serve through healing, therapy, finances, or emotional transformation. You’re private about your daily habits and need depth + purpose in your work to avoid burnout. You serve: Through psychological or energetic work. Wellness style: Detox, shadow work, deep rest. “My work transforms me — and others.”

6th House Ruler in the 9th House

You work from the mind and the spirit.

You may serve through teaching, spirituality, law, or travel. Daily life needs meaning. You might crave movement or a higher mission behind the grind. You serve: Through wisdom, beliefs, or worldly perspective. Wellness style: Walking meditations, breathwork, education. “My routine is my ritual.”

6th House Ruler in the 10th House

You turn routines into legacy.

Work is your identity. You’re ambitious, career-oriented, and likely to rise in your field due to your consistency. You might manage others or become known for your service. You serve: Through leadership, professionalism, influence. Wellness style: Structured, goal-driven, visible. “Work hard, shine harder.”

6th House Ruler in the 11th House

You serve the collective.

You may work within communities, collectives, or online spaces. You need freedom and innovation in your day-to-day — and you’re likely to rebel against rigid schedules. You serve: Friends, networks, causes. Wellness style: Group classes, tech tools, unconventional methods. “My work serves the future.”

6th House Ruler in the 12th House

Invisible service, sacred structure.

You work best in solitude, or in healing/behind-the-scenes roles. Your routines may be intuitive or chaotic, and wellness is deeply tied to your emotional + spiritual state. You serve: Spirit, the unseen, vulnerable populations. Wellness style: Sleep, silence, dreams, energetic healing “Sacred rest is my medicine.”

[unintentionalseductress]

Natural Breeding Clinic - Prologue

warnings: MDNI, breeding kinks, general sex, mention of infertility and insemination methods

a/n: It's here. Finally.

Teaser - Prologue - Patient 1

You take a deep breath and sit down in front of the laptop, waiting for the other person to join the call. Never in your life had you heard about such a unique reproductive center but lately, you’d been feeling the pull to start your own family. You’d discussed this with relevant people in your life. Everyone had said if you really wanted a child, then you should go with the options you thought were right for you.

You’d done the research, looking into different doctors and fertility clinics, but this one just stood out. There were testimonials from several happy families, saying their methods, though unconventional, were effective, and the doctors showcased on the website were all incredibly striking, each one handsome in their own way. But it was the success rate that caught your eye. A 98% guaranteed rate that you would be pregnant, and that pregnancy would be healthy. The site didn’t go into too much detail on their method, but the wording caught your eye.

“A natural breeding clinic” they’d called themselves. You’d finally bitten the bullet and called, requesting an information session. The screen suddenly lightens and you focus your attention as an attractive woman with shoulder-length brown hair comes into view. She smiles in a welcoming way before speaking.

“Hello. Am I speaking with Mrs. L/n?” You nod and smile back, trying not to look awkward or uncomfortable. 

“Perfect! My name is Shoko Ieiri, I’m the main coordinating nurse here at Jujutsu Fertility. Thank you for scheduling an information session with us.”

“Yes, of course. I just needed more details before I booked an appointment.”

“Indeed.” Shoko claps her hands together before continuing. “Let me start by telling you a little bit about ourselves. We’ve been around for almost 6 years now. What sets us apart is that we focus more on women’s comfort than most other clinics. And we are sought out by people who are willing to use a sperm donor. We do not perform insemination services with sperm that are not from our own stock.”

“Your own stock? Are you associated with a sperm bank? And screen all the donors yourself?”

“Not a sperm bank in the conventional sense. We have 5 doctors who keep excellent health and their sperm is regularly screened to ensure quality. They are the only stock we allow for insemination.”

You blink to make sure you haven’t misheard. “The…doctors? Are you saying the fertility doctor I’d be meeting with will also be my sperm donor?”

“That is correct.” Shoko nods her head to confirm. “You will be meeting with the doctor of your choosing for at least 5 sessions. They will need to be at least once a week. Some women take the week off and come in 5 days straight.”

“5…sessions?” you ask, confused by the wording.

“Yes. It’s to ensure the insemination process has occurred an optimal number of times.”

“Wait…so…I’m going to be inseminated multiple times? How much downtime do I need in between each insemination?”

“Hardly any. Our method isn’t like a typical clinic. Most women leave feeling very normal and a lot more satisfied than when they came in.”

“Not like a typical clinic? So…you don’t use the catheter method?”

“We use minimal medical equipment in our inseminations.”

“Minimal…so what does the procedure entail?”

Shoko clears her throat and continues. “So it begins with you choosing one of our doctors. We highly recommend spending some time on this part. It’s essential that you feel attraction towards your doctor. Once you make a choice, they will reach out to discuss how your insemination experience can be optimized for you. You will receive a biodata on their sexual profile, their preferred methods of arousal, and other relevant details.”

“I’m sorry, but what?” You are at the edge of your seat wondering if you’ve entered an alternate dimension. Surely, this was all being made up? “Arousal, sexual profile- why would I need all these details? I thought sperm donors only gave information like height, weight, medical history and stuff like that.”

“Why wouldn’t they? You’re choosing to be bred by them. They would have to make sure their patient is satisfied with the experience.”

“Bred?” You bleat the word stupidly.

“Yes. We are a natural breeding clinic. We use the method nature has provided to us to ensure a pregnancy.”

The gears in your brain start turning and something finally clicks.

“Are-are you saying…I would be having sex with my doctor?”

“That is correct.” Shoko smiles gently at you, pleased that you have finally caught on.

“The human body doesn’t necessarily enjoy having medical equipment inserted into it. All that cold plastic, and the mechanical methods of insertion. It puts the body in a state of stress. Not good for implantation. So our doctors will inseminate you through the process of intercourse.”

 Her words fall like a fog around you. You can feel your heart racing, a flush creeping into your cheeks. It was…insane. The doctor of your choosing was essentially going to fuck a baby into you. As your mind starts pulling up the images of their doctors, each one impossibly handsome and striking, you feel a familiar throb starting between your legs. Wetting your lips, you try to talk to continue with the information session.

“I see. And…there are benefits to this?”

“Yes. Intercourse allows the body to relax, releasing happy hormones. In this stress-free state, in addition to the knowledge that your doctor is someone you’re attracted to and trust, the chance of an implantation doubles.”

You gape at Shoko, your mind reeling from all the information.

“And…when you say the insemination process will be optimized for my best experience…?”

“The doctor you choose will ask you extensive questions about your preferences. What turns you on, positions, dislikes, toys. It’s to determine if they will satisfy your breeding experience. If they feel they might not be a good fit, they’ll recommend another one of our doctors.”

You swallow, your mouth going dry. “I see. And…what else do I need to know?”

“We will start by collecting your medical history and run some blood work to make sure your body is ready for an insemination process. Women who have a domestic partner will need to get both a waiver and a consent form signed by their partner that they have been informed what happens for the insemination.”

“Of course. Makes sense.”

“You will be assigned an emotional support companion during this process. It will either be myself or Mr. Ijichi Kiyotaka. We are there to help ease your nerves and ensure you enjoy the process. And all patients must think of a unique safeword to use during the insemination process.”

“Safeword?” you parrot back, still processing.

“Yes. At any point during the process, should you feel uncomfortable, your safeword ensures all actions cease and your doctor will give you some space to breathe and reassess the situation.”

All you can do is nod along. Shoko gives you a look of reassurance. “I can guarantee that most women are pleased with the results. And our doctors are quite skilled in what they do. It’s natural to feel a little shy and embarrassed but at the end of the day, we all share a common goal- a healthy baby.”

Despite your initial shock, you feel some of your trepidation fade away. Shoko continues.

“If you are ok with all of this, I can send you the forms to get the process started. Once those are filled, you can take some time to decide on your doctor. Then we’ll set up a call with them.”

“Thank you.” You make a split-second decision. “Please go ahead and send the forms.”

“Excellent. I’ll send them to the email you put in your inquiry. Was there anything else?”

You shake your head no. “I think I have all I need.”

“Great! I look forward to assisting you again.” Shoko ends the call and you immediately go the the website again to look at the doctors, one of which will end up fathering your child. Such a hard decision. How will you ever make the choice?

@thesunxwentblack @kentocalls @actuallysaiyan

@belle-oftheball34 @jesssicapaniagua

@figmentforms

© unintentionalseductress original work | no copying, plagiarizing or translating

[astroxrion]

How to Heal from Heartbreak Trauma ❤️‍🩹🔱❤️‍🩹🔱

Aries Moon

Heartbreak feels like losing momentum. It bruises your pride and leaves you restless. You must stop pretending it did not affect you. Let yourself admit it hurt. But do not stay still. Start something new. Physical action is how you release pain. Movement helps you process and rebuild. You heal when you stop waiting for closure and give it to yourself by living again.

Taurus Moon

Heartbreak hits your sense of safety. It disrupts the life you imagined and the comfort you built around someone. You must stop replaying the past. Start by creating a new routine that does not include them. Nourish your senses. Touch texture. Make a warm meal. Ground your emotions in your physical space. You heal by proving to yourself that you can feel stable again without them.

Gemini Moon

Heartbreak sends your thoughts in a loop. You try to talk your way out of the pain or distract yourself with new ideas. But the feeling sits under the noise. You must slow down and let the emotion speak. Name exactly what hurt. Write the truth of what you lost. You heal when you stop explaining and start accepting what cannot be fixed with logic.

Cancer Moon

Heartbreak for you feels like abandonment. You gave more than you had and now it feels like a piece of you is missing. But you are still here. You must take all the energy you once gave to them and redirect it back into yourself. Cook for yourself. Write your younger self a letter. You heal when you stop waiting to be held and start holding yourself with care.

Leo Moon

Heartbreak wounds your sense of being valued. You start to question if you were ever truly seen. But you cannot tie your worth to someone else’s inability to keep loving you. Take pride in how deeply you cared. Dress for yourself. Create without an audience. You heal when you realize you were never rejected. You were rerouted back to the center of your own light.

Virgo Moon

Heartbreak makes you search for where you went wrong. You look for small mistakes to blame. But love does not fail because of a missed signal. You must stop dissecting the past and start tending to what is real now. Clean your space. Care for your health. You heal when you stop needing a reason and give yourself permission to move forward imperfectly.

Libra Moon

Heartbreak feels like imbalance. You miss the connection even if it was not healthy. You want closure that may never come. You must stop waiting for peace from them. Sit with yourself. Ask what you need now. You do not need someone to complete you. You heal when you stop searching for reflection in others and build wholeness within.

Scorpio Moon

Heartbreak does not just hurt. It shakes your trust in everything. You feel betrayed by how deeply you let yourself feel. But love is not weakness. You must stop holding onto the pain as proof. Let it rise. Let it burn out. You heal when you let go of needing control over how it ended and accept that grief is part of your power not the end of it

Sagittarius Moon

Heartbreak makes you question your optimism. It challenges your belief that things will always work out. You want to move on fast but the lesson stays behind. Do not rush. Let yourself sit in the discomfort. Travel inward. Ask what this pain is teaching you. You heal when you stop trying to escape it and instead choose to grow from it honestly.

Capricorn Moon

Heartbreak makes you feel like you failed. You take the end personally and carry the weight alone. But love is not something you earn through effort. It either flows or it doesn’t. You must stop measuring your value by how long it lasted. Focus on what you are building now. You heal when you stop performing strength and allow yourself to feel without judgment.

Aquarius Moon

Heartbreak makes you emotionally distant. You analyze it from above instead of feeling it. But pushing it aside creates isolation. You must stop pretending it was not that deep. Let yourself feel strange and human. Cry without needing a reason. Talk to someone who sees you. You heal when you let the emotion be as real as the thought.

Pisces Moon

Heartbreak makes you want to dissolve. You idealize what you had and escape into memory. But fantasy cannot bring closure. You must stop romanticizing what was not fully real. Ground yourself through art music or water. Let your heart ache without needing to explain. You heal when you choose to stay here and love yourself through the process.

[thewritetofreespeech]

Hii gigachad, since the requests are open I'd love to get smn in!!

Something platonic for a gregarious Jester girl and Alucard. Very much 'popular kid has all the friends but likes the quiet kid best' dynamic. She sees him sulking in a corner, "a cold spot in the room", trying to make her leave by sheer force of will, and she's like 'I need to make him laugh everyday of my life.'

It had been a long journey to the next town. The trio walking for miles before the small flicker of window lights winked at them in the distance. When they arrived in the town, however, it was more than just window lights that greeted them.

“A circus?” Syph noted.

“A traveling one looks like.” Trevor commented. “Hold on to your purses.”

“Don’t be rude Trevor.” Sypha scolded him. “These people make a living much like mine. Traveling and providing their services to others.”

“Yes. Imagine how much more welcoming people would be if you added a little face paint to your outfits.” Sypha scowled at Trevor as they watched the jugglers, clowns, and acrobats delight the town.

“I’m surprised they are letting them perform.” Sypha noted. “Crowds and lights like this are sure to attract more night creatures.”

“True. But people sometimes need more than safety in times of trouble.” Trevor noted as he watched some kids race by laughing. Thinking that that was probably the first time in a long time he had heard that. “Besides. There’s something here.”

“Something?”

“A magic field.” Alucard answered at Sypha’s prying. “Something a bit stronger than pulling rabbits out of hats. Like a cloaking spell, or protection ward.”

Sypha hummed in understanding. “Well, if it’s all safe, why don’t we enjoy the festivities for a bit before we check into the inn.”

“I would rather not.” Alucard commented. “I detest clowns.”

“Whhhaaaat about jesters?” The trio turned around to find a lively, spritely, jovial jester behind them. Startling them with their presence and optimism.

“Clowns with more bells.”

The jester laughed. “Aww…it’s more than that. Although they do say that our ability for accessories is what differentiates of from animals.” They teased. “You all must have had a heard journey. Hence the looong face.”

Alucard’s deepened as Trevor snickered behind him. “Well, my day just improved.”

“Please don’t comment on my features.” Alucard warned them.

“Oh. Sorry. Sore spot? Handsome man like you? I never mean to make anyone uncomfortable.”

“You are making me uncomfortable.” He told them.

“Dawww….such a sour puss. You know a smile a day keeps the doctor away! I’ll leave you alone then. But before I go: what’s black & white and red all over?” Alucard arched a brow at them. “A cow who’s just told a really bad joke!”

Sypha & Trevor snicker at the terrible joke, though Sypha seemed genuinely amused. Alucard, despite himself, felt the corners of his lips turn up. The joke was indeed terrible but maybe it was just the delivery, or their enthusiasm, that made him smirk.

“There you go! Live long in good health my friends.”

The jester gave a dramatic bow before they cartwheel away to another guest of the circus. “You know, of all the things we’ve seen, I think that was the strangest.”

“Agreed.” Alucard replied to Sypha. “Let’s find the inn.”

[daydreamingoveracupofcoffee]

Headcanons All Might (Toshinori Yagi) falls in love:

Characteristics:

As the No. 1 Hero, All Might is confident, boisterous, and inspiring. His booming laugh, signature smile, and catchphrase (“I am here!”) exude strength and reassurance. He’s a symbol of hope, always putting others’ safety above his own needs. In his weakened form, Toshinori is frail, introspective, and burdened by the weight of his responsibilities. He’s self-sacrificing to a fault, often neglecting his own health and happiness. He’s also deeply caring, forming mentor-like bonds with students like Izuku Midoriya. All Might hides his insecurities and physical limitations behind his heroic facade. He struggles with vulnerability, fearing that showing weakness might disappoint those who rely on him. His devotion to being the Symbol of Peace likely left little room for love in the past.

Falls in Love:

- All Might would likely be drawn to someone who embodies qualities he admires: courage, kindness, or a strong moral compass. This person might not need to be a hero—perhaps they’re a civilian who stands up for others or someone who sees past his heroic facade to the man beneath.

- He’d notice small, meaningful acts—like their compassion toward others or their resilience in tough situations. For example, he might be smitten by someone who helps a stranger during a villain attack or who challenges his self-sacrificing tendencies with concern for his well-being.

- At first, he’d be oblivious to his feelings, mistaking his admiration for professional respect or friendship. His lack of romantic experience would make him slow to recognize love.

- The moment he realizes he’s in love would be a quiet, introspective one, likely in his weakened Toshinori form. He might catch himself thinking about this person during a rare moment of rest, smiling at the thought of them, only to freeze as the weight of his feelings hits him.

- He’d feel a mix of joy and fear. Joy, because their presence brings warmth to his burdened heart; fear, because loving someone means risking vulnerability and potentially failing to protect them as the Symbol of Peace.

“This… this feeling… Is this what it means to want someone by your side? But I’m no good for them. Not like this.”

- All Might’s biggest hurdle would be his self-doubt. As Toshinori, he views himself as a shadow of his heroic self, unworthy of love due to his frail body and the constant danger surrounding him. He’d worry that loving someone puts them at risk from villains targeting him (e.g., All For One).

- He’d grapple with guilt, believing that pursuing love is selfish when his duty is to save the world. His mantra of “saving everyone with a smile” might make him feel he has no right to personal happiness.

- Despite this, his heart would betray him. He’d find himself seeking out this person, drawn to their presence like a moth to a flame, unable to stay away despite his reservations.

- In his muscular, All Might form, he might initially try to impress his love interest with grand gestures, much like how he inspires the public. Expect him to flash his signature grin, make bold declarations of affection, or perform heroic acts to win their heart.

How All Might Expresses Love:

- All Might wouldn’t confess his feelings outright, at least not initially. Instead, he’d show his affection through small, thoughtful actions. Checking in on them after a villain attack to ensure they’re safe. Offering words of encouragement when they’re struggling, delivered with his signature optimism but laced with a softer, more personal tone. Remembering small details about them (e.g., their favorite food or a story they shared) and bringing it up casually, showing he’s been paying attention.

- In his All Might form, he might playfully tease them or give them a thumbs-up, masking his deeper feelings with his larger-than-life persona. As Toshinori, he’d be more reserved, offering shy smiles or lingering glances.

- All Might’s larger-than-life personality would lend itself to dramatic displays of affection. He might surprise his partner with a rooftop dinner under the stars, complete with a heartfelt speech about how they inspire him to keep fighting. His gestures would feel like something out of a classic romance movie, but with a touch of his goofy sincerity—like accidentally knocking over a table in his enthusiasm.

- His heroic nature would amplify his desire to protect the person he loves. He’d go out of his way to ensure their safety, even at great personal cost. For instance, he might secretly patrol their neighborhood or ask other heroes to keep an eye on them.

- This protectiveness could become a point of tension. If the person calls him out for treating them like they’re fragile, he’d be forced to confront his fear of losing them, leading to deeper emotional conversations.

- With a Civilian Partner: If his partner is a non-hero, All Might would be fiercely protective, constantly worrying about their safety in a world of villains. He’d strive to keep his hero life separate from their relationship but might struggle with secrecy, especially about his declining health. His partner’s normalcy could be a grounding force, reminding him of the simple joys he fights for.

- With a Hero Partner: A fellow hero would understand All Might’s burdens, creating a partnership built on mutual respect. They’d likely bond over shared values, like protecting others, but could clash if both are stubborn or self-sacrificing. Sparring sessions or joint missions might double as flirtatious moments, with All Might showing off a bit to impress them.

Confession:

- All Might’s confession would likely happen in a moment of raw honesty, possibly after a near-death experience or a quiet moment where he can’t hold back anymore. He’d choose to confess as Toshinori, not All Might, to show his true self.

“I’ve spent my life saving others, but you… you make me want to live for myself, too. I don’t know if I deserve this, but I love you. More than I can put into words.”

- His voice would waver, and he’d brace himself for rejection, expecting them to see him as less than the hero he portrays.

- If they reciprocate, he’d be overwhelmed, his iconic smile breaking through even in his weakened form. He might laugh through tears.

“Plus Ultra, right? We’ll make this work.”

Potential Challenges:

- All Might’s tendency to put others first could strain the relationship if he neglects his partner’s need for his presence. They’d need to be patient yet firm, reminding him that love is a partnership.

- As a public figure, All Might’s relationship might attract media attention or villain threats, requiring his partner to be resilient and possibly involved in the hero world for their safety.

- His deteriorating health would be a constant worry. His partner might struggle with the fear of losing him, and he’d need to reassure them while grappling with his own mortality.

- Toshinori’s habit of hiding his pain behind a smile could lead to communication issues. A patient partner would need to coax him into being open.

All Might in love would be a blend of heroic grandeur and tender vulnerability. His romantic journey would involve overcoming self-doubt, embracing his human side, and finding a partner who sees both the Symbol of Peace and Toshinori Yagi as worthy of love. His affection would be heartfelt, protective, and inspiring, reflecting his core belief that everyone deserves to smile. While challenges like his health and heroic duties would test the relationship, All Might’s determination and loyalty would make him a devoted partner, proving that even the mightiest hero can find strength in love.

[tashtush]

We Ask for Your Discretion (Chapter 1)

18+ 3.7k - Homelander/queer female reader, Madelyn/reader, Homelander/Madelyn, stalking, noncon, dubcon, mommy kink, praise kink, rough sex, voyeurism, threesome, corporate nonsense, manipulation, homophobia, trauma, sexual coercion, cunnilungus, vaginal sex (smut in future chapters)

AO3 | gif

Homelander has a new fixation. Madelyn does damage control.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

“I don’t think ‘The Deep’s Liquid Dreams’ is going to fly as a concept.”

You had been helping develop Vought’s new meditation and sleep app, VoughtMind, its conception a prompt response to the Flight 37 tragedy. After facilitating several distraught focus groups, it was determined that the answer to the nation’s unrest would be guided meditations performed by a roster of lesser-known supes. From calming tracks such as Moonshadow’s Nervous System Reset to Being Seen with Invisi-Lass, there would be a soothing balm for your existential dread.

“What do you mean?” Lisa asked with faux exasperation, barely containing her grin. “It would be a guided track, narrated by his truly. It’d be relaxing. We could even play marimba sounds in the background.”

Lisa was your long-time friend and coworker, and you were both on the same team: The “Shut-eye Squad” (a mandated nickname you chose to never utter outside of the office). You were responsible for the development of VoughtMind’s sleep feature.

“I don’t know, I think it’d be better suited for V-Rotic,” you laughed wearily, scribbling down the idea in your notebook. On some exceptionally dull, meeting-heavy days, you wished you could work for that team. While some might shy away from the task of developing super sex toys and erotic audio stories, you weren’t one of them.

You had been working as a UX designer for Vought for a year, honored by the opportunity to be a small cog in the massive, omnipresent, and culturally influential institution. You storyboarded features, sketched countless wireframes, and did your best to ensure seamless user interaction.

And to optimize all the ways a user could upgrade to VoughtLife Plus, of course.

While you had experience working in tech, nothing about your old offices compared to the grandeur that was Vought Tower. It was a force of nature, casting its shadow over the city like an unyielding, steel sentinel. Every day, you felt a small swell of pride and trepidation when you approached its entrance, gripping your laptop bag in an attempt to ground yourself.

What excited you most, however, was the fact that it was home to the Seven. Just knowing that they all slept on the 99th floor gave you a little thrill every time it crossed your mind. But despite your technical proximity, they might as well have been living on a different planet.

You knew that there were plenty of private corridors that separated them from the Vought commonfolk. While they dodged being pestered for selfies, you simply contented yourself with the knowledge that you were employed by the company that helped them save lives—or, if you were being honest with yourself, the company that released those stupid movies you loved to hate.

It was seven in the evening when you and Lisa finally finished preparing for a particularly stressful presentation. You tried to avoid working late at all costs, but you underestimated how challenging it would be to market a Deep-themed mental health experience. Lisa stood and stretched, her daily signal that she was done for the day, until her gaze landed on her desk.

“Shit,” she muttered, lifting her mug to grab the coffee-stained folder beneath it.

“What’s that? Someone’s birthday card you forgot to sign?” you asked, craning your neck curiously.

“No, I was supposed to deliver these documents to floor 79 today,” she said, pinching the bridge of her nose in frustration. She stayed in that position for a moment too long, then turned her attention back towards you.

“Could you do me a huge favor?” she asked, pressing the folder between her hands in a plea. “Could you run up and drop this off at the front desk? I’m already late for a dinner reservation and I won’t be here to do it tomorrow morning.”

“79? I’d be happy to, but I don’t have access,” you said. Lower-level employees were generally barred from visiting higher floors, but some, like Lisa, had special privileges when needing to relay confidential information.

“Here, take my key card,” she said, pulling it from her pocket. “You’ll have access now.”

“Oh, sure then,” you replied, plucking the card from her hand. You examined it, noticing that it looked nearly identical to yours, save for the smooth finish and gold-embossed “V”. Crisp. Corporate.

“Thanks, you’re the best,” she said with a winning smile, hoisting her backpack over her shoulders.

She made her exit, and you were left alone in the dark office, folder and key card in hand. You started toward the elevators in the lobby, listening to the low, steady hum of idle printers. It was kind of eerie, but in an oddly soothing way. Like standing on a beach at night, when it was usually so bright and bustling with activity.

When you arrived at the elevator doors, curiosity bubbled up inside you. How different would the higher floors be? You heard a myriad of rumors floating around the water cooler, and you realized that this could be your chance to corroborate them. Were there spa facilities amidst the large conference rooms, offering around-the-clock massages and steam room sessions? Would you be able to find one of the alleged corporate cocktail bars and make yourself a company-funded cosmo? You once even heard that they got John Legend to perform in a break room for some VP’s birthday, while the biggest surprise you ever got was a box of assorted bagels. But again, you weren’t complaining. You loved bagels.

The elevator doors opened and you stepped in, surveying the sleek grid of blue, glowing buttons. You’d never been this high up before. You’d never had a reason to be, and it almost felt like you were committing a crime when you held the card against the adjacent scanner. It only just occurred to you that there was definitely a camera pointed at you—that you could get into real trouble, and anxiety twanged in your chest when you heard the telltale beep of confirmation. You pressed “7” and “9”, doing your best to assuage your fears. It was late. No one would notice you–and if they did, they’d be too exhausted after a long day of meetings and trying to care about anyone but themselves. Security would probably be too preoccupied with trying to keep people out of the tower, rather than deal with one errant employee.

You weren’t about to miss the opportunity to find that spa.

The elevator began to ascend, and it wasn’t long before it came to a smooth halt. The doors opened, and an employee you’d never seen before quietly shuffled in to stand in front of you. She was dressed sharply, had a clearly intentional hairstyle, and was generally just more put-together than you. You stood uneasily, feeling self-conscious in your jeans and what now felt like a much-too-whimsical sweater. Before you could stew in discomfort for too long, however, the elevator stopped just moments later, and she filed out as quickly as she entered. You breathed a small sigh of relief. After a few more seconds of imperceptible ascension, you idly wondered at what floor the slacks ended and the three-piece-suits began. With a bright ding, the doors slid open once again.

You froze. He was wearing a different kind of suit.

“Hiya,” you heard him say, his voice clear, masculine, and practiced. The voice you had heard on-repeat for years, that lived in every household, movie theater, and classroom across the country. It could command a stadium, stop any criminal dead in their tracks, and apparently cause your heart to drum violently against your chest.

It was Homelander.

With his strong jaw, coiffed blonde hair, and startling blue eyes, he was even more handsome in person. That, in combination with his impeccably clean suit and perfect posture, made him emanate an aura of otherworldliness.  

He strode into the elevator, entering “99” into the console with a gloved finger. He then stood casually beside you, behaving as if this wasn’t one of the most surreal moments of your life. He wasn’t especially tall, but he might as well have been 6’5” with the sheer weight of his presence.

Should you say something? You shifted awkwardly in place, fingers gripping the folder like a lifeline. You had to say something, right? You shot him a sidelong glance, daring yourself to break the silence and not squander this once-in-a-lifetime encounter.

“Um, I’ve never pictured you taking an elevator,” you said a little too quickly, a little too quietly. What? You immediately regretted opening your mouth. You figured that this is what people meant when they said they were starstruck.

You saw the corner of his lips quirk up slightly before he turned his head toward you, his strangely unnerving eyes making contact with yours. The elevator suddenly felt very small, and the sensation of his proximity to you amplified considerably. He paused for a moment, then leaned toward you, raising his dark eyebrows in a question.

“Well… how do you usually picture me?” he asked slowly, a tinge of unmistakable amusement in his voice. His eyes flickered downward for just a fraction of a second, so quickly that you might have imagined it. You felt your heart continue to pound as he awaited your answer, painfully aware that your ability to banter was compromised.

“Flying head-first through windows?” you said, shrugging your shoulders sheepishly. “Though, I-I guess that isn’t very economical.” Your voice trailed off into an awkward silence.

He let out a huff of a chuckle, the corners of his eyes crinkling with a charming smile. The elevator came to another halt.

A few more executives filed in, and you turned away from him, trying to salvage any of your humility by playing it cool. After the elevator continued, the console’s digital display finally settled on floor 79. Relief flooded you, and you shot him a smile before hastily stepping past the open doors. You only saw his face for about a second, but it was all the time you needed to notice that his grin had fallen, his eyes staring at you as the door slid shut.

You felt like you could breathe again, as if you had suddenly emerged from being underwater for minutes. You wandered to the front desk in a haze, realizing that it would probably benefit you to listen to Mister Marathon’s latest collaboration with VoughtMind: Outrunning Panic.

—

The next day, you couldn’t keep Homelander out of your mind. Was he teasing you? Could he have actually been flirting? You replayed the encounter over and over in your head for approximately… all day, so much so that the presentation you were dreading all week was demoted to an inconvenient afterthought. What felt monumental to you was likely just a mundane second of his (larger-than) life, so you tried your best not to dwell on that possibility.

He was charming. That was his thing. It was one of the qualities that made him so damn lovable whenever you watched him speak heroic to the public. He was often very flirtatious with the female talk show hosts who effortlessly coaxed answers out of him, even the most seasoned of professionals failing to suppress their girlish giggles. You were just another inconsequential pull of his magnetism.

When you arrived in the office that morning, you immediately had to tell someone about it. Anyone. You beelined toward Ami, a copywriter on your team, and quickly recounted the night’s events. She stopped in her tracks, swiveling her desk chair to slowly land in your direction. Her jaw literally dropped.

“That’s crazy that you say that,” she said, “I actually saw him this morning while I was grabbing coffee in the cafe.”

That was strange. A whole year working here, and you hadn’t even heard of him being anywhere near your floor.

“Really? Did you talk to him?” you asked in a hushed voice, not even trying to hide your excitement. Meeting Homelander was a big deal, even for a Vought employee.

“I didn’t. He was giving extreme ‘don’t even try to talk to me’ vibes. He ignored me. Honestly, it was kind of unsettling,” she said, grimacing slightly. “It didn’t surprise me, though. I’m sure people are usually begging for his attention. It looked like he was talking to a manager or something, but I have no idea why,” she shrugged.

“He looks older in person,” she added off-handedly. “Still hot, though.”

“Hmm,” you responded absent-mindedly, fingering the key card that was still nestled in your pocket. You wondered what the odds were that Homelander would meet you in an elevator and then immediately visit your office the next morning. It was almost certainly a coincidence. He was known to dip his boots in all kinds of products, from star-spangled defense weapons to top-brand cereal boxes. You remembered seeing a meditation concept scribbled onto a whiteboard called Sounds of America, complete with a single bullet point that read “eagle sounds”. Maybe getting Homelander to do voice work was the execs’ chosen hook for getting the app off the ground. Everyone was scrambling to release an MVP in response to Flight 37, so getting him to record guided patriotism was guaranteed to draw attention.

You weren’t able to get any more answers from your circle, not even from Lisa, who blew up your texts with a full-on interrogation. You both delved into every minute detail of the encounter, analyzing everything from his body language to the tone of his voice. It was thrillingly juvenile, but you quickly ran out of material to wring from your memory.

Lisa: What did he smell like?

Me: I don’t know. Nothing?

Lisa: boring

Lisa: you know, he could probably smell you

Me: Stop. ✋

It was then that you knew it was time to put the phone down.

You had no other choice but to simply continue your workday, the annoying need to earn money competing with your racing thoughts.

—

The following Friday, you were leaving a conference room after an exhausting, four-hour workshop. Ever since the allegations about the Deep had surfaced, it was mandated that the entire company go through extensive sexual harassment training.

You woefully chewed on a granola bar as you walked down the hall, fueling yourself for another two hours of fighting the urge to fall asleep. You turned a corner, and to your bewilderment, you caught another glimpse of that damn, iconic flag cape. You promptly turned back again, and you had never felt more like a cartoon.

It was him. Again. But this time, he wasn’t alone—he was talking to a woman, and the sounds of their hushed voices carried down the hall. You felt absurd hiding behind the corner, but with your current track record, you didn’t trust yourself to remain calm. You peeked over just slightly, trying to make out who she was; maybe it was the manager that Ami had seen him talking to in the cafe. You squinted, and her features finally came into focus.

Madelyn Stillwell?

Yet another celebrity you thought you’d never meet. Again, why was the Vice President of Supe Management anywhere near you? She was much shorter than you imagined, even with heels, but she still projected refined, intimidating professionalism. They were deep in discussion, and to your horror, you realized that you needed to pass them to get to your next meeting. You took a deep breath to ground yourself, reminding yourself that you were an adult, before emerging from behind the corner. As you walked toward them with as much nonchalance as you could muster, you started to pick up a snippet of their conversation.

“–Listen, just–just don’t worry about it,” he said impatiently, waving his hand.

“We’ve discussed this,” she said firmly.

“Okay, okay. Jesus.”

They were taking up most of the walkway, so you angled your body to quickly sidle past them. You saw him glance at you for the briefest of moments in your peripheral vision, but you made it to the door before you could catch anything else.

You had never heard him speak so crassly before, which was saying a lot, considering it wasn’t all that crass. You weren’t one for piety,  but it still surprised you to hear him take the “Lord’s name in vain”. He was involved with Capes for Christ, after all. You’d only ever seen his squeaky-clean media appearances, so you shouldn’t be surprised that he had his rough, unedited moments like everyone else.

During the following weekend, you became cognizant of just how inundated you were by his face. When you went on your customary shopping run, you saw it on billboards, posters, bus benches, and on at least ten percent of the products you found in the grocery store’s aisles. You were even haunted by a statue of him while enjoying a picnic in the park, his large, stone likeness looming just feet away from your blanket.

When Monday evening came, you were walking home to your apartment when you swore you saw something—someone—flying through the sky.

It had to be the Frequency Illusion. Because Homelander was all you could think about, your mind tricked you into believing that you were seeing him everywhere.

Sometimes, you even thought that you could feel him.

It was like you were experiencing a sense memory, your body reacting the exact same way it did when he stood next to you in that elevator. It was incredibly odd, but you easily brushed the phenomenon aside. You were having too many late nights worrying about the fate of your project, and you were prone to letting your imagination run wild when you were sleep deprived.

As the days turned to weeks, however, your obsession gradually died down. Homelander once again receded into the backdrop of your life, joining the ranks of other set dressing such as street signs or Taco Bell. Life finally resumed its typical, relatively boring thrum.

You salvaged your work, got drinks with your team, and routinely melted into a puddle on your couch. Work, fun, sleep, repeat. Your run-in with Homelander was reduced to a fond memory, an escape to the time he maybe flirted with you. It was a story to be told at many parties to come, a fantasy that would keep you warm on lonely nights.

—

You came into the office early one Monday morning, wanting some uninterrupted time to catch up on the work you blew off Friday. You had an unusual pep in your step, iced coffee in hand, as you approached your desk in the empty room. As you began to water your plants, you noticed a sleek, black envelope placed directly beside your keyboard. You looked around at the surrounding desks, realizing that no one else had received one.

You slid your finger to break the seal and pulled out a piece of paper, its texture expensive under your thumb. Vought’s logo was engraved in the upper right corner, signifying that this was an official correspondence. Curiosity consumed you, so you scanned the page’s contents as quickly as you could.

Please join us for our 5th annual

Gala for Crimefighting Bigotry

Saturday June 27, at seven in the evening

The Vought Palace Ballroom, 871 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY

Black tie attire

You stared at the elegant typeface, still not understanding why you were the only one invited. You flipped the paper over in the hopes of finding an answer.

As a member of the Super Spectrum Alliance, you are cordially invited to Vought’s fundraising Gala for Crimefighting Bigotry. We’ve selected you as part of an initiative to celebrate the richness of our company’s commitment to diversity.

We stand for truth, justice, and the importance of sexual identity to both our heroes and employees.

Join us for an evening of food, drinks, raffles, and a special performance by Melissa Etheridge. All proceeds will be donated to The Born This Super Foundation, which provides resources for at-risk LGBTQIA+ youth.

You looked up from the invitation and stared blankly ahead, trying to process what you had just read.

The Super Spectrum Alliance was essentially Vought’s pride club, founded by some well-meaning queer employees a few years back. You attended an SSA meeting once, but quickly abandoned it when you learned it was usurped by a suspiciously straight member of the People team. It was apparently an attempt to ensure all club activities and discussions fell in line with company values. Regardless, your name must have been included on the member roster.

The invitation read like code for “you’re one of our resident queers and we need you to look good for the cameras.” You weren’t upset, though—quite the opposite. In fact, you felt a jolt of excitement as the implications finally hit you. These things were exclusive. 

Incredibly wealthy people attended these. Supes attended these. You had seen footage of similar Vought events on the news and gossip forums alike, knowing full well that this was a deeply coveted position you were in.

As far as you knew, you were the only openly queer employee in your corner of the office, so you were certain you wouldn’t have a familiar face to cling to. That considered, you weren’t about to not go. This was an insane opportunity; if not for your career, then for the chance to enjoy an evening of the finer things (like winning something stupidly expensive in a raffle.)

What would it be like? Would you manage to mingle with the elite, camouflaging yourself with shop talk and unearned confidence? Or would you sit at the bar the entire time, scrolling through your phone to distract from your inevitable social breakdown? Probably the latter.

You spent the first half of your morning browsing photos from past galas, needing to emotionally prepare yourself by knowing what to expect. You scanned image after image of philanthropists in glamorous suits and dresses, clutching their champagne flutes with an ease that only came with money. You would also occasionally spot a supe socializing within the sea of bigwigs. You saw Queen Maeve smiling with politicians, Translucent wearing a bow tie (and nothing else), and many more heroes of varying levels of notoriety. You stopped scrolling when a photo of Homelander filled your screen. He was enchantingly mid-laugh while presenting an award to someone, and you were once again struck by how attractive he was.

You thought about him for the first time in over a week, his intense expression between the closing elevator doors flashing in your mind. Would he be there?

Also, more importantly, what the fuck were you going to wear?

[great-health-stuff]

💧H20: Your Body's Best Friend 🙂

We all know we should drink more water. But let's be real, it's easy to forget amidst the chaos of daily life. So, let's dive deeper into why hydration is actually a big deal:

1. Brain Power Boost:

Focus & Concentration: Dehydration can lead to brain fog, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Water helps deliver essential nutrients to your brain, keeping you sharp and alert.

Mood Elevator: Studies suggest that dehydration can negatively impact mood, increasing feelings of anxiety and irritability. Staying hydrated can help you feel more emotionally balanced.

2. Physical Performance Peak:

Exercise Efficiency: Water plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature during exercise. Proper hydration helps you perform better, reduces fatigue, and minimizes the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Muscle Recovery: Water aids in muscle recovery and reduces muscle soreness after intense workouts.

3. Skin Nourishment:

Radiance from Within: Adequate hydration keeps your skin plump and hydrated, improving its elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Clearer Complexion: Staying hydrated helps flush out toxins, which can contribute to breakouts.

4. Digestive Boost:

Smooth Sailing: Water is essential for proper digestion. It helps break down food, move waste through your system, and prevent constipation.

5. Overall Health:

Immune System Support: Proper hydration helps your immune system function optimally, making you less susceptible to illness.

Joint Lubrication: Water acts as a lubricant for your joints, reducing friction and improving flexibility.

Tips to Stay Hydrated:

Carry a Water Bottle: Keep a reusable water bottle with you throughout the day and refill it regularly.

Infuse Your Water: Add slices of fruit, herbs (like mint or cucumber), or a splash of juice to make it more flavorful.

Track Your Intake: Use a water tracking app or just keep a note of how much you're drinking throughout the day.

Eat Water-Rich Foods: Include plenty of fruits & vegetables (like watermelon, cucumber, and celery) in your diet.

[f0point5]

"Max's comments about British bias is so weird. I really like Max, and I think he is a talented driver, but his behaviour over the past few weeks hasn't been okay. You'd think, from the way he's acting, that the points gap between him and Lando was only a few points. Yes, mathematically, Lando still has a chance to win the wdc, but realistically, we all know it's a stretch- even lando admits this.

For Max and red bull to feel so threatened that they're talking about landos mental health, claiming Oscar dosen't deserve to be second driver (discussion already heated as it is without Maxs comments on it) and even admitting to crashing Lando out to prevent him from winning ... for what?

I get that to win, you need to be ruthless, but this feels unnecessary and unprovoked because Max driving alone would be enough and also he has his whole team helping him to win wdc without a doubt. It's not like Lando is out there in the media claiming he's the best in the world. In fact, the media often uses every opportunity to criticise him or protray him in a negative light.

Contrary to max's comments about the media and FIA being biased towards British drivers like Lando, this just isn't true. maybe after Miami there was optimism, but with all the missed opportunities, the media narrative shifted quickly, focusing on Lando's bad starts.

After Hungary, every media outlet was discussing how Oscar doesn't deserve to be second driver and how good he is compared to Lando, and how mclaren is refusing to prioritise lando. they questioned his championship mentality, despite his consistent performances. And aside from Zandvoort and Singapore, there was more talk about his mistakes and narratives being used for clickbaits.

media bias in sports isn't new. durch media will focus on Max, Australian media on their drivers, and british media on theirs. this is expected. you could argue that British media has a larger international reach, but thats beyond any athletes control.

example: sky Germany constantly talks about Nico Hülkenberg, or the chances of Mick Schuhmacher, and sometimes even missing race action to cover him.

However, using "british bias" as a defence when he was clearly in the wrong, and in the same breath throwing lando to the wolves and disregarding real bias against other poc driver on the grid, is just not okay. Not all drivers have the privilege of being white male with a dutch passport. maybe I'm exaggerating, but as poc myself, it really weird that Max used this as a clap back for something he himself admitted to doing - trying to prevent Lando from winning.

everyone talks about British bias and how "unfair" it is for Max and it is, the British media talked bad about him especially in the being of his career and him winning and Im not denying that but a few acknowledge the racism and bias faced by other drivers. I don't think these comments are funny or make a good clapback. and for a fact I know that if Lando said a similar thing, the reaction would have been entirely different.

Because Max is a little bitch who lashes out every time he's under pressure. As is a staple of his career. But since his "lashing out" is being overtly aggressive and an arrogant asshole, it's viewed as "woooo that's why he's a champion" instead of weakness."

I honestly do not understand how people cannot see that there is a clear bias towards Max. For a fan base that says the hate towards Lando needs to stop but has absolutely no issue throwing it towards Max the hypocrisy at its finest.

Oh lorddd.

First, no one talked about Lando’s mental health. Your competitive mentality is NOT the same thing as your all around mental health. You can be the happiest most well adjusted person in the world and a competitive environment and pressure can just get to you. Sure, your psychology influences and impacts how you deal with stress and failure and success and all that. But saying Lando cracks under pressure is not the same as ragging on his mental health.

Oscar is a good driver…what was the harm in recognising that? Also, Max doesn’t owe it to McLaren not to share his opinion so as not to upset whatever disaster they have potentially simmering over there?

And Max did not admit he crashed Lando out because he didn’t crash Lando out. They did not make contact. Lando finished second. So…that just straight up didn’t happen. But that “for what” 😂 for…the championship? Please god open the schools.

British bias is real, every single driver who is not British and winning has talked about it. The fact that everyone just accepts it as standard because the brits have basically a monopoly on broadcasting rights is actually mental. And yes it’s the same in every country and in my opinion it’s moronic in every fucking language. But it’s exponentially worse when Sky Sports is the main broadcaster, and when the F1TV pundits are all incredibly biased. F1TV is not a National channel, no it should not be “expected” that they border on unprofessional in the way they talk about certain drivers. they should not be allowed to be biased, in my opinion. I should not know that Jenson Button wants to lick the soles of Lando’s shoes. And mind you, I think both Sky Sports and F1TV presenters have been unprofessional even when they talk about British drivers, at some points, but to nowhere near the extent of the way they talk about Max. That’s why the only one I respect is Nico Rosberg because he is genuinely an equal opportunity hater.

Also, Max can talk about whatever the fuck he wants. The microphone is in front of him, not anyone else, so while you don’t have to agree with his opinion, it’s a take it or leave it thing, there is no third option to demand he say something different.

And in conclusion, yeah when Max is Max people say “he’s a champion” because he fucking is. In 2016/17/18 they were calling dangerous and crazy. And then it turned out what he does works for him. See how when you succeed you earn the right to do what you want, because people trust your process? (Brits don’t get it because for some reason they think their way will always prevail in the face of reason and results that say otherwise) “lashing out under pressure is a staple of his career”…so is performing under pressure. Not everyone can say the same.

He requires no defence, just look at the record book.

Maybe it’s just me, but despite the hate against Max being awful and just as uncalled for as the hate towards Lando…I kind of find it so much less impactful. You can’t really gain ground hating on a guy who has done exactly what he wants to do in the sport. So you think he’s an asshole…and what? Is that a crime? Is that relevant? Who even cares? Certainly not him. They just look so bizarre to me. I can’t fathom thinking someone should care what I think about their behaviour any more than I can fathom caring what someone thinks about mine.

Lol that quote was a deep dive into the mind of a parasocial for sure.

[aideneverybody]

Okay, screw it. I wrote an opinion essay for class, it’s an essay on Luka.

Disclaimer: this is my first real essay, and for whatever reason I’m putting it on this site (🫶), so don’t be mean please. also mentions of using chatgpt to summarize information, but! I only did it because my teacher said we should do so if we needed a quick summary. fuck ai on absolutely every other front. also, references are supposed to be imbedded links in the text, idk if that’ll appear or not. if it doesn’t and people wanna know what my sources are I can reblog with a list or smth.

Also, obviously spoilers for Alien Stage.

Without further ado, I suppose..

Why Luka (Alien Stage) is an Extremely Complex Case.

Do you ever have that one character that you know has done some messed up things, but you can’t help but love anyways? Yeah, I think we all do. Especially if they have reasons for it, and especially if those reasons are justifiable.

Like, for example, Luka from the webseries Alien Stage, a show about singing for your life against another person (if you’re a human, that is). Luka is a character with a terrible personality who has committed what should be unforgivable actions, from manipulating opponents with memories of their dead loved ones to allegedly killing his crush’s brother during an altercation as a teenager.

A lot of people, in the show and its fanbase, love him, and others hate him reasonably. No matter what your opinion is on him though, there’s a lot of complexities to take into account when it comes to Luka, like the environment and view he was raised in, the way humans are manufactured in the world of Alien Stage, and the ways surviving all of it can twist a character to become like Luka.

The environment we see the humans in Alien Stage raised in is hardly ideal for anybody other than maybe Truman Burbank, and the human-pets raised there. As a child, many children including Luka inhabited ANAKT Garden, a school of music created to teach human-pets how to sing.

The environment a child is raised in can affect their mental health greatly by changing brain structure and function, and that may have been the aliens’ idea, but… did they do it right, with what they were attempting to achieve?

According to a post regarding ANAKT Garden on the official Alien Stage Patreon, “The environment is modeled after Earth's nature because it is known to be the optimal setting for humans to produce the most beautiful voices. Everything in Anakt Garden is designed to keep pet humans in the best possible condition”, and according to the official artbook’s English translation, “[ANAKT Garden] was designed as an average value by synthesizing abstract visual data from human perception of 'heaven'. But it can never be said to be a perfect heaven because it was created without a complete understanding of human beings”. In simple terms: they failed, at least somewhat, to make an environment that made humans feel… well, human, or at least ever at peace. From the grass to the skyline, everything that surrounds the children at ANAKT Garden is fake, not to mention littered with cameras; and that’s not exactly good for mental health.

However, I highly doubt the aliens cared about the mental health of their pets, as long as they sang properly, so I suppose them turning into an ambitious, calculating, cold-blooded person is just an added perk.

The environment Luka was raised in wasn’t exactly “human”, which didn’t help with the growth of his humanity.

Luka’s surroundings can’t be the only thing blamed for his behaviors as an adult, however; he is a product, and products are meticulously designed and manufactured.

Though ANAKT Garden is a school of music made for children, it could also be considered a factory of sorts. Learning how to warm up your vocal cords and read music notes aren’t the only type of performance training children who attend are subjected to. Students are put through more rigorous exercises like heavily monitored, technologically advanced dance, singing and instrumental training, as well as some more “interesting” tests like “superiority tests”, “image making training”, and one specifically tailored to Luka that I’ll explain.

Luka has three documented conditions: chronic migraines, asthma, and congenital heart disease. His special training? “Heart rate variability”. This is defined as “controlling heartbeats to induce the fear of death”, and is exclusive to Luka.

However, as a child, not only was Luka faced with an inescapable threat of death due to his illness, but he was also isolated and ignored by peers due to his weaknesses. Said weaknesses were not helped by limitations he was given when it came to food. Luka was not allowed to eat much as a child, put on a strict diet by his owner, Heperu, and thus could very easily lead to something referred to as scarcity effect.

Luka is also undeniably a good example of the aftereffects of being a child star. He was marketed since he was a student at ANAKT Garden; an official Patreon post stated, “…even while attending Anakt Garden, [Luka and a classmate] kept gaining recognition for their external activities in the showbiz world”. Effects of being exposed to fame as a child, as summarized by chatGPT and paraphrased by me, include stressfully high expectations in regards to success, exploitation from parents/guardians - in this case his owner, identity issues due to constantly being in the eye of the public and being unable to separate a stage persona from your genuine self, invasion of personal space and a struggle to maintain the boundaries of a private life, failure to maintain healthy personal relationships and developing less than ideal coping mechanisms.

These could very well be applied to Luka. He grew up forever in the eye of the public and surrounded by cameras, has a very manipulative owner, and has no personal relationships to speak of.

Luka is a star because he was bent and twisted and rearranged mentally to be so, in not just ugly ways but extremely unethical ones.

Now, where does that leave Luka as an adult? Just as twisted as the ways he was produced, that’s where.

Luka was top of his class at ANAKT Garden, and won the 49th season of Alien Stage. The current canon of the show takes place in the 50th season, and he won that too. He is, no doubt, easily classified as a “winner”, and certainly a successful investment as a human-pet. Although, I wouldn’t say the word “human”, in all of its glory as one of the most wonderful adjectives that could be applied to a person, fits Luka as a character anymore.

Recall when I brought up the scarcity effect. As defined by Wikipedia, “[In the area of social psychology] Scarcity is basically how people handle satisfying themselves regarding unlimited wants and needs with resources that are limited. Humans place a higher value on an object that is scarce, and a lower value on those that are in abundance”. One of the effects of scarcity effect in humans can be a lack of empathy towards others when they believe time is short, and when your heart is constantly working against you, when isn’t it? Luka, in the artbook, is described as a man who “didn't care whether others were hurt or not because he lived only to prove his own value without giving up his side to anyone. He has no hesitation in trampling others and climbing up”. He does things like study his opponent’s weak points and actively exploit them on stage in order to win. There’s your lack of empathy. Furthermore, the conditional variations of new scarcity and competition fits Luka well. To quote the Wikipedia on scarcity effect again, “New scarcity occurs when our irrational desire for limited resources increases when we move from a state of abundance to a state of scarcity”. In regards to competition, “In situations when others are directly competing for scarce resources, the value we assign to objects is further inflated”. I believe it’s a if-the-shoe-fits-type situation, and the shoe is currently the perfect size for Luka.

He won Alien Stage. He won a show that is a matter of life and death, where the best of the best are put up against each other with not only the pressure of a metaphorical, but a literal gun to them. And not only did he win, but he did so while being in a fairly vulnerable position. For example, his migraines. Migraines are known to cause sensitivity to light, and while on stage, Luka is subjected to many of them. He pushed himself to agonizing points, through extremely unsavory training and suffocating amounts of social pressure, to win, and it’s seemed to pay off for him just fine. In the Alien Stage video “TOP 3”, during Luka’s montage, a subtitle appears that consists of the text “The Luka syndrome is sweeping the universe”. The aliens love him. The easy excuse, relying on that information and how it spurs him on, is that fame is an addiction. There are oh so many studies on social media and fame and the problems they can cause. However, I think there’s more to it than that when it comes to Luka.

In an article of the psychology of pretty privilege, it’s said that “[Research] consistently shows that attractive individuals are more likely to be hired, promoted and receive higher salaries. Their appearance-based confidence also enables them to pursue the wages and opportunities they desire and deserve”. I feel like this could be similar to Luka’s current situation. He made it, and he’s idolized, and good things happen when you’re idolized. Indulgence in things like, I don’t know, food and sugar, happen when you’re idolized, as a reward if nothing else. Proper treatment for a myriad of health issues that the aliens are clearly not below abusing and using against him happens when you’re idolized, even if it is just to keep you healthy for the stage. Even rather immature things, like rubbing your success into the faces of those who once overlooked you, happen when you’re idolized.

Why would he want to let that go? He wouldn’t, could you blame him? But, the constant threat of losing it all looms over him. He won Alien Stage Season 49 and got such a wonderful taste of privilege… and then got chucked back into the brutal competition because he was so good. But by then he knew how to play the system, and had a reason to be desperate to play it. His charm on the stage may seem indispensable, but he knows he himself is not.

He remembers the cruel training, he remembers how he got to where he is, and he’s desperate enough for that - hence scarcity effect - that he refuses to let it go, leaving him with a more alien mentality than human. He lives and exists to be entertainment, he knows that, and he knows that without it he may very well not be living at all.

Luka, and many other characters with similar narratives, have many… interesting features that go into their detestable personalities. Luka, as a specific, has had to suffer through uncanny surroundings, torturous stage training, being pushed to aggressively desire things that should be relatively common, the paranoia of being watched and the mental struggles that go hand in hand with the life of a child star, and how that evolved to turn him into a completely inhuman apparatus of a man.

But, honestly? There is so much more to him that I can’t even fit in here. So, with what I’ve presented you, call your own shots! This is just how I view the way he functions and what reasons could be behind it. You could continue or begin to despise him right now, if you wanted; just make sure to acknowledge that he is a very complex character, no matter how you slice it.

[nativeofsumeru]

"From Persephone" (Wriothesley x Reader)(Sneak Peak/WIP)

A/N: I did say I'd write something. Although, it's not as fleshed out as I would've liked. It's inspired by the song, From Persephone by Kiki Rockwell and a bit by Pure Imagination from the movie Wonka. (click for links) I don't have time to finish it right now, but I do want to, especially if it interests the people! ~~~~ (not proofread) (Happens before Archon Quest)

Growing up, you never knew much outside of the sheltered hub that was the aristocratic domain of Fontaine. Personal servants, the highest quality education, all the money in the world, it was all yours. You seldom knew anyone outside of this aristocratic circle. Your family was one of the more well-known families in the nation, with business connections as far as Snezhnaya. It was assumed that you would inherit the business and the great fortune that would come with it. You were practically groomed for it from birth. It was a nice future, a stable future. An aristocratic future. Although they were never outwardly malicious towards the lower class, it was still clear that there was a divide between you and them. Always. You were superior, they were not.

Your governess had opted to take you for a stroll through the city that day as a "learning opportunity". This excuse was the only way your parents would allow it. She could see how much you yearned for the world outside. It didn't take long for you to get separated for her somewhere along the way (it's not like you were looking for an out anyway). You took the opportunity to run, run as quickly as you could, now excited for your newfound freedom, free to mingle with others outside of your family's vetted wealthy circle, free to actually explore the "lowly" common town. Once you deemed yourself far enough from your governess, you took a moment to take note of the setting around you. You were in the middle of town. It was bustling with activity; it was the peak of rush hour. You could barely wrap your head around what to do with your freedom first. What caught your eye first was a small booth selling hats by the side of the road. You quickly walked over and began to try each of them on, the booth owner and some passersby giving you strange looks. But you couldn't care less, after all, your mind was on more important matters. The rest of your day practically followed this trend. You'd explore the town, the shops, the art, the bakeries, the booths, the street performances. It was all overwhelming, but in the best way possible. You knew you didn't have much time before your family somehow tracked you down and you wanted to live your life to the fullest

You exited a bakery with two bags of freshly handmade macarons. You gladly spent your family's money on whatever pastries you could get your hands on. It was a welcome change from the fully planned strict meals and diet the family nutritionist had planned for you. 'For your optimal health and longevity,' you remember him saying. You roll your eyes as you think about it. You couldn't imagine life being any worse. But it doesn't matter now, you're out of that prison right now and you couldn't be happier.

You looked up at the sky. The sun is setting. Either you were that elusive or your family was terrible at searching for their own daughter seeing as you've been able to be gone for so long. You turned a corner. The streets weren't as busy as they were earlier. It's a week day and it's getting late, you're not surprised. You shove a macaron in your mouth and hum to yourself, some catchy music you heard on the street. It was a welcome change to your ears from the usual instrumental and classical music you were used to hearing all the time at home. Not to say that you hated it, but too much of anything with little variety can drive a person crazy.

Passing by a dark unlit alleyway, you can't help but notice a humanoid figure moving in the shadows. You pause in your tracks and back up to do a double take. You look into the alleyway, now feeling nervous and guarded. You may be sheltered, but you're not dumb. Humanoid figures in dark alleyways don't always bode well, especially for a lone teenager at dusk. But something about it, just draws you towards the alleyway. It's an undesirable feeling, but you feel as if the Hydro Archon is pulling you to do something. With a few hesitant shaky steps, you begin to walk down the alleyway.

It was nowhere near as clean as the streets of your neighborhood, or the city center for that matter. You flinched at the sound of some trash falling out of the dumpster next to you. This place did smell rancid. But nonetheless, you pushed on. What were you looking for? You have no idea, but all you know is that you feel compelled.

It's then that you see it, at the other end of the alleyway. It's a melusine. But it's not a melusine alone, you take a few quiet steps closer, and that's when you see him too. A young boy, a young teenager just like you. He's rather rugged, beat up, tattered clothes, and covered in cuts and scratches, black hair and piercing icy blue eyes.

Almost as soon as you notice him, he and the melusine also notice you. Trying to conceal yourself behind a nearby trash can, you hear the squeak of an animal. You look down only to notice a rat near your feet. You practically scream and fall over, clutching onto your bags of macarons for dear life. The boy winces at your dramatic fall. The melusine almost seems amused by it. "Are you alright?" When you look up again, you can see him standing before you, hand outreached to help pull you up.

Those eyes... You hesitantly put your hand in his as he hoists you up and back on your feet.

"Y-yea, I'm fine. Thank you." You say, sheepishly brushing yourself off, your outfit now with a noticeable stain from whatever it is you fell into. The boy looks you over. He can tell that your outfit is expensive and that you are not from this part of town.

"Are you lost? You're not from around here." He asks, seemingly actually somewhat concerned. You shake your head.

"No, I'm just visiting the city." You reply with a smile. You glance down at your bag of macarons, sighing in relief when you see that they're alright. At least they came out unscathed. You then look up at him, curious why a young boy would be hiding out between dumpsters with a melusine. "What about you?"

"No." The boy shakes his head and looks at the ground. You blink, wondering if his family is also looking for him. It is getting dark.

"Is your family looking for you too?" You ask lightheartedly, wondering if you may have a stranger that you can relate to. It's at this question that the boy grows silent. His gaze is rather...intense. It's intensity only amplified by those piercing pale blue eyes. "Um..." You look away awkwardly. You don't exactly know how to handle this. You glance down at the melusine who only smiles at you. Your gaze then returns to your bag of freshly baked, handmade macarons. You hold up the unopened second bag to the boy, not knowing what else to do.

"Macaron?"

[localgossipus]

will work for meaning

I’m tired of having to make myself useful.

If I’m not selling something — my thoughts, my body, a version of myself I half-believe in — I’m wasting space. That’s what it feels like. That if I’m not actively climbing, optimizing, producing, I’m doing life wrong. As if I’m some inefficient machine that keeps on overheating, literally — I’m always sweating.

I think it started when we stopped having hobbies (did anyone ever really have hobbies? I never had one) and started having “side hustles.” When someone told us, quietly but repeatedly, that nothing we loved was valid unless someone would pay us for it. When dreaming became a luxury, and surviving meant repackaging our joy into monetization.

I can’t just write anymore. I have to consider a niche. A following. A brand voice. I have to decide whether this thought is post-worthy, whether it fits the tone I’m building. God forbid I contradict myself or trigger “whataboutism.” God forbid a girl tries to have a hobby.

Even my rest has become performative. I can’t take a walk without wondering if I should be making a “take a walk with me.” I can’t make a coffee without thinking of the cozy vanilla girl aesthetic I should be curating. I’ll have an emotional breakthrough and immediately wonder if I can turn it into a photo dump. This can’t be normal. This can’t be what healing is supposed to look like.

And don’t get me started on work.

Every job posting I read sounds like a scam or a cry for help. Entry-level roles requiring three years of experience, a master’s degree, and a willingness to be exploited. But don’t worry, they won’t pick you anyway. Or anyone.

I once wanted to work for an NGO. I imagined purpose. Fulfillment. Helping someone, somewhere. But even the “do-good” jobs are PR machines now. They want high-impact, low-cost, 24/7 brand aligned robots who can save the world for $18 an hour (reaching) and no health insurance. They want resumes drenched in resilience. Trauma repackaged as grit.

Meanwhile, my dreams — the soft, fun, weird, non-linear ones — feel like they’re growing mold in the corner. Like they’re embarrassed to be here. Like they know they don’t stand a chance in this economy.

What they don’t tell you about trying to do something meaningful is how capitalism makes it feel selfish. You start to believe that chasing your passion is indulgent unless it immediately generates income. That wanting to feel joy, depth, freedom, art — unless sponsored — is childish. That if you can’t make rent off your calling, it’s not a calling. It’s a liability, and it’s stupid.

I’ve started noticing people my age talk about burnout like it’s normal. Like it’s a badge of honor. We joke about spiraling, cry while making Canva manifestation graphics, scroll through job boards like they’re Pinterest boards. We’re constantly either underpaid or unpaid or on the verge of going “off grid.” But none of us ever actually log off. Because you can’t rest when rest is a privilege, and you can’t create when your worth is tied to performance.

There’s a line between being tired and being drained. It’s that feeling of being stretched so thin across platforms, roles, identities, futures, that you start to forget what you like. What your voice sounds like when you’re not selling something. What you would do if you didn’t have to monetize it.

Some days I fantasize about just quitting the internet all together. Just vanishing and running away to a random field in Italy. Where I can write for no one. No metrics. No pressure. Just the sound of my own brain, unfiltered. But then I think about rent. Groceries. Health insurance. I think about how hard it is to simply exist without being marketable. And suddenly, silence feels expensive.

And maybe that’s the rebellion — to feel something and not package it. To create without calculating. To remember that being a person is enough.

So here I am. A 22-year-old girl trying to write something honest in a world that wants her to sell it. Trying to find softness in a system built on burnout. Trying to give myself permission to just be, even if that “being” doesn’t come with a business plan.

I guess I can’t put my business degree to good use. Dang.

[zzz-updates]

Bizzare Brigade Version 1.5 Update Details

Bizarre Brigade will be receiving an update after the Version 1.5 update

While our roguelike minigame "Bizarre Brigade" was still lacking a little developmental polish upon its release with Version 1.2, it was still well-received by Proxies. We are grateful and encouraged by your support. The purpose of this latest update is to address the flaws in Bizarre Brigade and optimize it for a more enjoyable gaming experience. We hope that these improvements will make the game more fun and engaging for Proxies.

>> Official Hoyolab post <<

All-New Mode & All-New Protagonists

• Added a new Multiplayer Mode: Bizarre Brigade: Shared Dream

• Added 7 new Dream Seekers with different abilities. After the "Godfinger Ultimate Showdown" event begins, you can check the new Dream Seekers' abilities and how to obtain them in the in-game Godfinger arcade.

• Bizarre Brigade: Shared Dream will be launched at the same time as the Version 1.5 event "Godfinger Ultimate Showdown". On top of this, Bizarre Brigade will be welcoming brand-new Dream Seekers and will remain available even after the event is over.

Event Duration: 2025/01/28 10:00 (server time) – 2025/02/10 03:59 (server time)

Participation Requirements: Unlock Godfinger arcade in Prologue - Intermission.

The following adjustments will take effect after the Version 1.5 update:

New Leaderboard

• This update will significantly impact existing Dream Seekers, Companions, and Relics. Therefore, we will be launching an all-new Bizarre Brigade Leaderboard after the Version 1.5 update.

• The previous leaderboard will be permanently archived and can be viewed at the Godfinger arcade.

Stage Adjustments

We hope Proxies can have a more enjoyable gaming experience!

• Lowered the difficulty of early waves and increased the number of monsters in later waves.

We thereby hope to reduce pressure during the early game and allow Proxies to freely test out different builds and strategies, before increasing pressure in the late game to provide a more rigorous test of strength.

• If you purchase the new Relic "Infinity Road Sign," Endless Waves will begin after Wave 10 of Difficulty 5 is cleared.

You will not be able to access the Store between Endless Waves. Give it everything you've got!

Monster Adjustments

• Added 4 new monsters.

• All monsters' HP has been lowered and their Movement Speed has been increased.

• Ranged monsters will attempt to keep their distance from the protagonist.

Stat Adjustments

We hope to strengthen the relationship between different attributes.

• Before the update, the Protagonist's Melee DMG was essentially ineffective. Therefore, we have made the following adjustment: After the update, Knockback DMG +2 for every +1 Melee DMG the Protagonist has.

• After the Version 1.5 update, Collision DMG will be affected by a percentage of the Protagonist's Additional DMG.

• After the Version 1.5 update, the Attack Range of melee weapons will affect not just the movement distance of Companions' melee weapons, but also the flight distance of the Protagonist and Companions' bullets.

Protagonist Adjustments

We look forward to seeing Dreamers' wonderful performances in the upcoming multiplayer mode.

• All characters' Base ATK increased by +1, and all characters' Shooting Interval reduced.

• The permanent buffs to ATK and Health the Protagonist gains from collecting candies have been reduced.

Derpy Woof

Protagonist and Gear Companion Speed When Knocked Back: +15 → +10

Due to Derpy Woof being overpowered, we have made some adjustments to ensure that all Dream Seekers are balanced.

The Big Pot

Before: During combat, every Morning Star bond gives the Protagonist +1 Health Recovery. When the Protagonist is injured, Armor +1, which is reset when combat ends.

After: During combat, every Morning Star bond gives the Protagonist +1 Armor. When the Protagonist is injured, Health Recovery +1, which is reset when combat ends.

Health Recovery is more important than Armor when Health is low. As such, we have switched these two stats.

Porcelain Doll

Health Recovery Correction: 50% → 150%

Because the Companion "Jungle Folk" has lost some of their advantage, we believe it necessary to make the Dream Seeker "Porcelain Doll" more resilient.

Slippy

Brigade Knockback: +100% → +200%

Companions can sometimes cause tricky situations to occur...

Sir Purrcival

Treasure Detection When Dodging: +1 → +2

We hope the rewards can justify the risk.

Periwinky

Before: When combat starts, Health is set to match Coin count.

After: When combat starts, Coin count is set to match Health.

Before: Armor Growth: -1

After: Health Growth: 6

Because the combination of the Dream Seeker "Periwinky" and the "Guaranteed to unlock the Dream Eater's Altar" effect were overpowered, we have made some adjustments to their other attributes.

Clementie

Brigade Attack Speed: -70 → -50

Reduced Clementie's reliance on Collision DMG.

Gulpy

Before: Monster Speed, Protagonist Speed, and Companion Speed all +30%

After: Monster Speed +30%

Capped Gallant

New: Base ATK Interval -20%

As certain adjustments made to some Relics have affected the Dream Seeker "Capped Gallant," we hope their attack speed can be increased.

Card Queen

Empire Companion Attack Range: +20 → +10

Adjusted the Attack Range for Companions of the Dream Seeker "Card Queen." It's time to test your compatibility with your Companions.

Steel Shell (Revamped)

Before:

Monsters receive 100% of Protagonist's Collision DMG every 3 seconds.

During combat, each Crimson Gauntlets bond gives the Protagonist +3 Collision DMG.

After:

When picking up Coins, deal damage to a random monster equal to 100% of Protagonist's Collision DMG.

When picking up Hearts or Magnets, deal damage to all monsters equal to 100% of Protagonist's Collision DMG.

Bloom Shell (Revamped)

Before:

When combat starts, the Brigade gains +2 to all Stats (except Projectiles)

After:

Upon purchasing a Lv. 4 Relic, gains 1 random Lv. 1 Companion.

Companion Price -30%, Relic Price +15%.

Companions have long attack intervals, Collision DMG -10

Steel Shell and Bloom Shell are too similar in appearance, so we replaced the original effects with new mechanics.

Companion Adjustments

Some Companions don't make enough of a difference! To make Companions a more prominent part of Proxies' builds, we've adjusted the effects of certain Companions.

Effects of All Companions on Income

Before: Income -5 when obtaining a Companion, Income +5 when losing a Companion.

After: Income -5 when obtaining a Companion, no effects on Income when losing a Companion.

Cheer Bunny

Before: Brigade Speed +10.

After: Upon attacking, deals additional DMG equal to 20% of the Protagonist's Speed. All squad members' Speed +10.

Jungle Folk

Before: During combat, for every Primitive Leather Skirt and Bouncy Rabbit Ears bond, this Companion's Attack Range +20, DMG +30%.

After: For every Primitive Leather Skirt and Bouncy Rabbit Ears bond, this Companion's Attack Range +5, DMG +10%, Attack Speed -3.

The era of the "Jungle Folk" was brilliant yet fleeting...

Pointy Hat Witch

Bow and Arrow Companion DMG When Opening Chests: +1% → +2%

Judge

Before: When combat starts, every Four-leaf Clover bond gives the Protagonist +10 Income.

After: Companion's attacks deal additional DMG equal to the Protagonist's 10% Income and 10% Luck.

Fierce Fighter

Before: Attack Speed +1 when attacking, which resets when combat ends. Has meaningless explosion effects when attacking!

After: Upon a CRIT, this Companion has a 50% chance to explode, dealing 100% DMG to nearby monsters.

Matchstick Head

Before: During combat, every Morning Star bond gives the Protagonist +1 Projectiles. (Cannot stack. Can stack after merging)

After: Companion gains extra bullets when knocked airborne.

Camo Shroom

Monster Speed Reduction From Attacks: -25% → -50%

Floofy

Before: Protagonist Health +5, Armor +1.

After: Upon attacking, deals additional DMG equal to 10% of the Protagonist's Health. Protagonist's Health +5, Armor +1.

Smiley Fox

New: General purchase limit is 3. The "Smiley Fox" Relic purchase limit for the Protagonist "Capped Gallant" is 2.

Let's hope Smiley Fox can give the other Companions a chance!

Chieftain

Before: Brigade DMG +5%.

After: Companion DMG +100%, Attack Speed -80.

Attractive Witch

Collision DMG: 20 ⇒ 10

Pony

Collision DMG: 20 ⇒ 10

Bullet DMG: 20 ⇒ 10

Evil

Before: Cannot merge three into one. For every 8 Monsters this Companion kills, Protagonist Attack Speed +2.

After: Cannot merge three into one. When combat starts, Protagonist Health -5. More evil will spawn in the Store.

TV Head

Before: Upon a CRIT, this Companion has a 25% chance to gain 1 Coin.

After: Upon a CRIT, this Companion has a 25% chance to gain 1 Coin. When in combat, every 20 Coins grant this Companion CRIT Rate +1.

※ The above notes only cover adjustments for Lv. 1 Companions. Companions merged from three into one will also undergo corresponding adjustments. Please check the game for details.

Bond Adjustments

• Increased the number of Companions required to activate certain bonds.

• Adjusted the attribute effects granted to Protagonists and Companions when certain bonds are activated.

1. Bouncy Rabbit Ears Dodge: +20% → +15%

2. Carrot Health: +10 → +5

3. Horned Head Demon CRIT Rate: +50% → +100%

Relics

We're delighted to see players creating spectacular moments using the Relics system. However, it's clear that in previous versions, it was relatively easy to combine Relics in a way that enabled [Perpetual Motion], which quickly put a damper on the fun of other build strategies. Therefore, we have made some adjustments to the Relics system. We have also enhanced several previously underutilized Relics. We hope that a more balanced Relics system will bring players greater enjoyment and a deeper gameplay experience.

• Added 11 new Relics to Bizarre Brigade after the Version 1.5 update.

• Adjusted the prices of certain Relics and added purchase limits to all Relics. The purchase limit is set to 5 for all Relics except those below.

After this update, Proxies will have a harder time obtaining the Relic sets of [Perpetual Motion]. In most cases, Proxies will no longer be able to purchase the full set of Relics. In some cases, you may be able to purchase more than the limit.

Green Form

Before: Item prices -25%. Brigade DMG -20%.

After: Item prices -20%. Brigade DMG -20%.

Projector Slides

Before: Protagonist -10 Income. Each 4% DMG grants +1 Income.

After: Protagonist -10 Income. For every -1 Income, Protagonist DMG +1%.

Wool Mittens

Before: Protagonist Health Recovery -2. 15% chance to restore 2 Health when collecting Coins.

After: Protagonist Health Recovery -2. 10% chance to restore 1 Health when collecting Coins.

Expensive Fruit

Before: Protagonist Income -15. Luck +8. For every 1 Luck, Health + 1.

After: Protagonist Income -15. Luck +8. For every 2 Luck, Health + 1.

Warped Cassette

Before: Brigade Attack Speed +9. Number of Monsters in the next battle +10%.

After: Brigade Attack Speed +7. Number of Monsters in the next battle +10%.

Silent Alarm

Before: Brigade Attack Speed +30, Speed +40. During battle, the Protagonist suffers 1 DMG per sec (without any invulnerability time).

After: Gain 3 Eggs at the start of combat. During combat, the Protagonist takes 1 DMG per second (no invincibility period).

Message From A Friend

Before: Companions no longer follow the Protagonist. Brigade CRIT Rate +40%. Protagonist -7 Armor.

After: Companions no longer follow the Protagonist. Brigade CRIT Rate +30%. Protagonist -7 Armor.

Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Before: Protagonist gains +10% CRIT Rate and +10% Dodge. 30% chance to restore 5 Health when dodging.

After: Protagonist gains +5% CRIT Rate and +5% Dodge. When dodging, recovers 1 HP.

Mysterious ID

Before: Enemies hit by the protagonist are poisoned, taking 100% of Income as DMG per sec. (Does not stack)

After: Enemies hit by the Protagonist are poisoned, taking 150% of Income as DMG per sec. (Does not stack)

Commemorative Mug

Before: Protagonist Armor +4. Luck -4. When injured, there is a 30% chance to fire 8 bullets forward.

After: Protagonist Armor +3. Luck -6. When injured, there is a 30% chance to fire 8 bullets forward.

Weird Pool Ball

Before: Protagonist +20 Luck. Brigade -6% DMG, bullets have +20% rebound.

After: Protagonist +10 Luck. Brigade -6% DMG, bullets have +25% rebound.

Neck Brace

Before: Protagonist +10 Collision DMG. For every -1 Speed, gain +1 Armor. Brigade -20 Speed.

After: Protagonist Collision DMG +10. For every -2 Speed, gain +1 Armor. Brigade -20 Speed.

Sleep Mask

Before: Protagonist +5 Treasure Detection, +5 Luck. When opening chests, 1–3 enemies will receive damage equal to 100% of Treasure Detection.

After: Protagonist +5 Treasure Detection, -5 Luck. When opening chests, all enemies will receive damage equal to 20% of Treasure Detection.

Gold-Plated Ring

Before: Brigade +2 Ranged DMG. In the next battle, the protagonist gains +40 Treasure Detection.

After: Brigade +2 Ranged DMG. In the next battle, the protagonist gains +30 Treasure Detection.

Tangy Tangerine

Before: For the next battle, Companions will not attack. The Protagonist's Attack Speed increases to the maximum. For every 10 enemies defeated, the Protagonist recovers +1 Health.

After: For the next battle, Companions will not attack. The Protagonist's Attack Speed increases to the maximum. For every 20 enemies defeated, the Protagonist recovers +1 Health.

Sun Hat

Before: Protagonist Health +15. There is a 5% chance to pick up all drops when injured.

After: Protagonist Health +12. There is a 5% chance to pick up all drops when injured.

Fridge Sticker

Before: Brigade +4 Ranged DMG. Protagonist +30% Pickup Range. Companions follow closer to the Protagonist.

After: Brigade +3 Ranged DMG. Protagonist +30% Pickup Range. Companions follow closer to the Protagonist.

Bento Box

Before: Protagonist Pickup Range +20%. At the start of a battle, the Protagonist receives 20% of the current Coins as additional Coins.

After: Protagonist Pickup Range +20%, Income -25. At the start of a battle, the Protagonist receives 10% of the current Coins as additional Coins.

Price: 22 → 27

Cooling Fan

Before: Brigade Collision DMG +10. Companions can block bullets.

After: Brigade Collision DMG +7. Companions can block bullets.

Donut

Before: Protagonist size and Bullet Size +25%. Bullets become bigger, slower, and deal a lot of damage!

After: Protagonist size +30%, Bullet Pierce +2. The Protagonist's bullets become bigger and slower, with high damage. Bullet Pierce no longer reduces DMG, but bullets can no longer split.

Universe Coin

Before: Brigade DMG -30%, but every 3 seconds deals damage to all monsters equal to 15% of their Health.

After: Brigade DMG -30%, but every 3 seconds deals damage to all monsters equal to 10% of their Health.

Fish Oil In A Box

Before: Protagonist Health +4. Item Prices -30% this turn. Drink Spawn Rate +100%.

After: Protagonist Health +4. Item prices -15% this turn. The store stocks a large amount of a certain random drink.

Quill

Before: Refresh price -5.

After: Refresh price -1.

Price: 16 → 3

Vitamin C Rage

Before: Brigade Speed +20, Melee DMG +2. Protagonist Health -5.

After: Brigade Speed +20, Melee DMG +2. Protagonist Health Recovery +2 Armor -2.

Oxygen Bubble

Price 11 → 18

Winningway

After: Brigade CRIT Rate +20%, DMG -20%, Bullet Pierce +1.

Before: Brigade CRIT Rate +20%, DMG -20%, Bullet flight distance +10%.

Wake Up!

Before: Protagonist Collision DMG +10, Knockback Distance +30%, CRIT Rate -10%.

After: Protagonist Collision DMG +10, Knockback Distance +30%, Attack Speed -20.

Soda Tea

Before: Brigade Ranged DMG +4, Bullet Bounce +25%, DMG -5%.

After: Brigade Ranged DMG +1, Bullet Bounce +10%.

Rock 'n' Roll Mulberry

Before: Protagonist Armor -3, Income +30, Treasure Detection +20.

After: Protagonist Armor -3, Income +25, Treasure Detection +15.

Forgiveness

Before: When Gear and Primitive Leather Skirt Companions kill Monsters, there is a 50% chance to gain 1 Coin.

After: When Gear and Primitive Leather Skirt Companions kill Monsters, there is a 20% chance to drop 1 Coin.

Curiosity

Before: Empire and Knight Companions gain +15 Collision DMG.

After: Empire and Knight Companions gain +10 Collision DMG.

Despair

Before: Protagonist Speed -5. When standing still, Health Recovery +5, Collision DMG +10.

After: Protagonist Speed -8. When standing still, Health Recovery +5, Collision DMG +10.

Rage

Before: Recover 10 Health upon opening a treasure chest. Cannot recover Health through Health Recovery or Hearts.

After: Recover 12 Health upon opening a treasure chest. Cannot recover Health through Health Recovery or Hearts.

Cowardice

Before: For every 5 Coins held during combat, Brigade DMG +1%.

After: When combat starts, lose 20% of current Coins. For every 5 Coins held at the start of combat, Brigade DMG +1%, which resets when combat ends.

Sadness

Before: Protagonist Dodge Rate -5%. Every 3 seconds in combat, deal damage to all Monsters equal to 20% of the Protagonist's Health.

After: Protagonist Pickup Range -20%. Every 3 seconds in combat, deal damage to all Monsters equal to 20% of the Protagonist's Health.

Fear

Before: When picking up Coins, deal damage to a random enemy equal to 50% of Luck.

After: When picking up Coins, deal damage to a random enemy equal to 30% of Luck.

Perfume

Before: Monster Speed +30%. When the Protagonist is injured, a random stat is permanently increased.

After: Monster Speed +30%. Protagonist Armor -10. When the Protagonist is injured, a random stat is permanently increased.

Water Lily

Before: In combat, Brigade Bullet Pierce +3, CRIT Rate +30%. Effects are removed after the Protagonist is injured. Resets every wave.

After: In combat, Brigade CRIT Rate +60%. Effects are removed after the Protagonist is injured. Resets every wave.

Hard Bread

Before: Protagonist Attack Speed -10. For every 2 Melee DMG, Protagonist Collision DMG +1.

After: Brigade CRIT Rate -10%. For every 2 Melee DMG, Protagonist Collision DMG +1.

Beacon of Hope

Before: Score Multiplier +20%. Protagonist Health Recovery +100.

After: Score Multiplier +20%. Protagonist's Health cannot exceed 2.

Entangled Nightmare

Before: Score Multiplier +20%. Number of Monsters +100%.

After: Score Multiplier +20%. Number of Monsters +100%. Monster Health +300%.

Obtaining Beacon of Hope or Entangled Nightmare is a sign of an extremely successful round. Therefore, we've made it more challenging.

*In development. Not representative of the post-release version.

[thommi-tomate]

Müller's health delicacies - Don't do without, but scrutinize

For me, nutrition has two core elements: On the one hand, it is about optimally nourishing my body and on the other hand, there are social, tasteful experiences or the feelings of happiness that come with them.

In my experience, it is very helpful to think about the purpose of nutrition in order to approach it in the best possible way. This makes it much easier for you to find the right individual balance. The playing field in terms of "What do we eat?", "How do we eat?" and "When do we eat?" is logically very large. As you can imagine, for me it's very much about performance on the football pitch - but I'm still an epicurean 😊

This awareness makes it much easier for me to know what is important to me. It not only gives me a better structure and prioritization, but also a certain ease in everyday life. It's also very important to me to focus on a longer timeline. Neither the occasional ice cream sundae nor a vegetable day every week allow the pendulum to swing in one direction or the other.

It's much more about what we eat regularly and consistently.

For me, it is therefore important to make sure that I get enough macronutrients (protein, fats, carbohydrates, fiber) and eat enough different vegetables in my everyday life. For me, the taste experience often plays a subordinate role. For example, I had to get used to the taste of the following healthy foods: beet, lentils, Brussels sprouts and walnuts. Today, I am glad that I have integrated these healthy foods into my diet. I even like the taste of them now.

That way I know that my body is well nourished by my daily routines and I can totally enjoy dinner with friends. For me, it's all about enjoyment and I don't have to worry about whether the food is "healthy" or not.

Perhaps my view of things will help you to make your everyday diet less stressful.

On that note, be good to yourself and to others. Let's tackle February together.

Thank you for your support and keep your chin up,

 

Your Thomas

[deepak-kansal]

Did You Know? Your Mouth Produces Over 25,000 Liters of Saliva in a Lifetime

Saliva is one of the most underrated yet essential fluids produced by the human body. Over the course of a lifetime, the average person produces more than 25,000 liters of saliva — enough to fill two swimming pools! While saliva might seem like a mundane topic, it plays a vital role in maintaining your oral health and overall well-being. Let’s explore this fascinating subject in depth.

What is Saliva and Why is it Important?

Saliva is a clear, watery fluid secreted by the salivary glands in your mouth. Composed mostly of water, it also contains essential enzymes, proteins, minerals, and antibacterial compounds that help maintain oral and overall health. Here are some key functions of saliva:

Protects Your Teeth and Gums: Saliva neutralizes acids in your mouth, helping to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Aids in Digestion: It contains enzymes like amylase that help break down carbohydrates before swallowing.

Moistens and Lubricates: Saliva ensures that your mouth stays moist, making it easier to chew, swallow, and speak.

Fights Bacteria: Its antimicrobial properties combat harmful bacteria, reducing the risk of infections.

Supports Taste Sensation: Without saliva, your ability to taste food would be significantly diminished.

How Does Saliva Production Work?

Saliva is produced by three major pairs of salivary glands:

Parotid Glands: Located near the ears, these glands produce a watery secretion rich in enzymes.

Submandibular Glands: Found under the lower jaw, these glands produce a mix of enzymes and mucus.

Sublingual Glands: Situated beneath the tongue, these glands produce a mucus-rich saliva.

In addition to these, minor salivary glands throughout the mouth contribute to saliva production. On average, a healthy person produces about 1 to 1.5 liters of saliva per day.

25,000 Liters Over a Lifetime: Why So Much?

Producing over 25,000 liters of saliva in a lifetime may seem excessive, but when broken down, it makes sense:

Daily Production: Roughly 1.5 liters per day.

Lifespan: Over 70 years, this adds up to the astounding total of 25,000 liters or more.

Saliva production is continuous but varies throughout the day. It increases when eating, drinking, or even thinking about food and decreases during sleep. This consistent production is crucial for keeping your mouth healthy and functioning.

What Happens When Saliva Production is Insufficient?

A lack of adequate saliva, known as xerostomia or dry mouth, can lead to a range of oral health issues, including:

Increased risk of cavities and gum disease

Difficulty in chewing, swallowing, and speaking

Bad breath (halitosis)

Altered sense of taste

Dry mouth can result from dehydration, medication side effects, or underlying medical conditions. If you experience persistent dry mouth, consult a dental professional.

Dental Hygienist vs Dentist: What’s the Difference?

While both dental hygienists and dentists work to improve oral health, their roles differ significantly.

Dental Hygienist

A dental hygienist specializes in preventative care, focusing on maintaining oral health. Their responsibilities include:

Performing professional teeth cleanings

Educating patients on proper oral hygiene practices

Taking X-rays and assessing gum health

Applying fluoride treatments and sealants

Dentist

Dentists are medical professionals trained to diagnose and treat oral diseases and conditions. Their tasks include:

Filling cavities and treating tooth decay

Performing root canals, crowns, and extractions

Diagnosing oral diseases like gum disease or oral cancer

Developing comprehensive treatment plans

Both professionals are essential in ensuring optimal oral health, working together to provide comprehensive care. Deepak Kansal, a skilled dental hygienist, emphasizes the importance of regular cleanings and proper oral hygiene as the foundation for a healthy smile. Learn more about his work at www.deepakkansal.com.

How to Support Saliva Production Naturally

Ensuring healthy saliva production is key to maintaining oral health. Here are some tips:

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your salivary glands active.

Chew Sugar-Free Gum: Stimulates saliva flow, especially after meals.

Consume a Balanced Diet: Foods rich in vitamins and minerals, like fruits and vegetables, promote salivary gland health.

Avoid Tobacco and Alcohol: These can dry out your mouth and reduce saliva production.

Use a Humidifier: Helps maintain moisture in your mouth, especially while sleeping.

Fascinating Facts About Saliva

Saliva contains enzymes that begin digestion right in your mouth.

It plays a crucial role in wound healing within the oral cavity.

The average person swallows around 2,000 times a day, with saliva playing a major role in this process.

Saliva can be used for diagnostic purposes, including detecting diseases like diabetes and even COVID-19.

Final Thoughts

Saliva is much more than a simple liquid in your mouth. Its protective, digestive, and antibacterial properties are essential for overall health. By staying hydrated, practicing good oral hygiene, and consulting professionals like Deepak Kansal, Dental Hygienist, you can ensure your mouth remains healthy for years to come. For more insights and expert advice, visit www.deepakkansal.com.

Disclaimer

The information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Readers should consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.