#anemia hair loss

[trendingarticles]

Low Iron and Hair Loss - Symptom, Causes and Treatments

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common form of anemia, which occurs when there is not enough mineral iron in your body. Iron is needed to generate hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the tissues of your body1. Hair is a fast-proliferating organ with a high blood supply requirement. The length and size of the hair depend on the hair cycle anagen, growth stage. At the center of these systems,…

[insomnialya]

If your hair is falling out a lot, don't run to buy a new hair mask, run to the doctor, it may be a lack of vitamins or something more serious.

If the pimples don't go away, don't run to buy a new face mask, run to the doctor, it may be a hormonal imbalance.

[theleechyskrunkly]

Mom: "You're literally ripping out your hair 😡 this is why I have to wash your hair for you 👹👹👹"

The amount of hair im losing (tw, hairball ⁉️):

The amount of hair I have:

The reason for my hair loss:

No mother. I don't think you should be the one washing my hair.

And no. I don't think I will be going bald any time now.

[cyborgcorpse]

it’s not only sexist that women are expected to shave their legs but can be detrimental to their health because losing hair on your legs is a sign of many significant health problems such as anemia, hypothyroidism, or diabetes. it’s easy to ignore something like being a little cold or your fingernails chipping more easily, but it’s hard to ignore the hair on your lower legs disappearing.

yes i’ve been aware that i’m anemic. did i do anything about it? no. taking iron is really hard when you have digestive issues, and you need enough time, energy, and money to manage to eat more leafy greens and meat.

now i’ve realized how severe my anemia is and i’m freaking out. thank god i don’t shave or i wouldn’t have put two and two together.

also! don’t ignore heart palpitations by saying to yourself “they only happen when i’m exhausted”. they happen! that’s not normal! wtf is wrong with me! this is what should have lit a fire under me!

don’t be an idiot like i’ve been. pay attention to what your body tells you

[balu88r-blog]

Health Tips - ಬೀಟ್ರೂಟ್ ಮತ್ತು ನೆಲ್ಲಿಕಾಯಿ ಜ್ಯೂಸ್, ಆರೋಗ್ಯಕ್ಕೆ ಪ್ರಕೃತಿಯ ವರದಾನ, ಪೂರ್ಣ ಮಾಹಿತಿ....!

Health Tips – ಪ್ರಕೃತಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ದೊರೆಯುವ ಬೀಟ್ರೂಟ್ ಮತ್ತು ನೆಲ್ಲಿಕಾಯಿ ಆರೋಗ್ಯಕ್ಕೆ ತುಂಬಾ ಒಳ್ಳೆಯದು ಎಂದು ಎಲ್ಲರಿಗೂ ತಿಳಿದ ಸಂಗತಿ. ಆದರೆ ಈ ಎರಡನ್ನೂ ಒಟ್ಟಿಗೆ ಮಿಕ್ಸ್ ಮಾಡಿ ಜ್ಯೂಸ್ ಆಗಿ ಸೇವಿಸಿದರೆ ದೇಹಕ್ಕೆ ಏನೆಲ್ಲಾ ಲಾಭಗಳು ಸಿಗುತ್ತವೆ ಎಂಬುದು ಜನರಲ್ಲಿ ಕುತೂಹಲ ಮೂಡಿಸಿದೆ. ಈ ಲೇಖನದಲ್ಲಿ, ಬೀಟ್ರೂಟ್ ಮತ್ತು ನೆಲ್ಲಿಕಾಯಿ ಜ್ಯೂಸ್‌ನ ಉಪಯೋಗಗಳು, ತಯಾರಿಕೆ ವಿಧಾನ ಮತ್ತು ಆರೋಗ್ಯಕರ ಪ್ರಯೋಜನಗಳ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣ ಮಾಹಿತಿಯನ್ನು ತಿಳಿಯೋಣ. ಈ ಜ್ಯೂಸ್ ಕುಡಿಯುವುದರಿಂದ ನಿಮ್ಮ…

[mevanablogger]

Anemia and Hair Loss: Effective Hairfall Solutions at Home

Have you noticed thinning hair or excessive hair shedding while also feeling fatigued or weak? These could be signs of anemia, a condition that not only affects your energy levels but also impacts your hair health. If you’ve been searching for a hairfall solution at home, understanding the connection between anemia and hair loss is the first step toward healthier, stronger hair.

What is Anemia, and How Does It Affect Hair Health?

Anemia occurs when your body lacks enough red blood cells or hemoglobin, resulting in a reduced oxygen supply to tissues. Oxygen is vital for all body functions, including nourishing hair follicles. Without adequate oxygen and nutrients, hair follicles weaken, leading to hair loss.

Common causes of anemia include:

Iron deficiency

Vitamin B9 or B12 deficiencies

Chronic conditions (e.g., kidney or autoimmune diseases)

Genetic disorders

The link between anemia and hair loss is clear—weak hair follicles and poor oxygen supply result in shedding, breakage, and slower regrowth.

Types of Anemia and Their Impact on Hair Loss

Iron-Deficiency Anemia This is the most common form of anemia, often resulting from poor diet, blood loss, or pregnancy. Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin and delivering oxygen to hair follicles. Without sufficient iron, hair becomes brittle, and excessive shedding occurs.

Vitamin Deficiency Anemia Deficiencies in Vitamin B12 and B9 can cause anemia and disrupt hair follicle function. These vitamins are crucial for DNA synthesis and cell division, which are essential for healthy hair growth.

Recognizing Anemia Symptoms

Before tackling anemia and hair loss, it's crucial to identify anemia symptoms. These include:

Fatigue and weakness

Pale or ashen skin

Shortness of breath

Dizziness or fainting

Brittle nails and hair If you experience these symptoms, a blood test can confirm anemia, allowing for timely intervention.

Is Hair Loss from Anemia Permanent?

The good news is that hair loss due to anemia is often temporary. Once the underlying cause is addressed—whether through dietary changes, supplements, or treatment—hair growth usually resumes. Consistent care is vital, and simple hairfall solutions at home can support recovery.

Hairfall Solution at Home for Anemia-Induced Hair Loss

1. Boost Your Diet

Iron-rich foods are your best ally in combating anemia and hair loss. Include:

Leafy greens (spinach, kale)

Lean meats and poultry

Lentils, beans, and chickpeas

Fortified cereals and whole grains Pair these with vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits to enhance iron absorption.

2. Try Ayurvedic Remedies

Ayurveda offers natural solutions to restore hair health:

Amla: Consume fresh Amla or its juice daily for iron and antioxidant benefits.

Fenugreek Water: Soak seeds overnight and drink the infused water in the morning.

Jaggery and Sesame Seeds: Boost your iron levels with this simple, effective remedy.

3. Stay Hydrated

Drink enough water to support overall health and blood circulation, which helps nourish hair follicles.

4. Massage with Nourishing Oils

Use oils like Amla or sesame oil to massage your scalp. This improves blood circulation, strengthens hair roots, and helps combat dandruff—a common concern with anemic hair loss.

5. Use Iron Utensils for Cooking

Cooking in iron pots can naturally increase your dietary iron intake, making it a practical and effective solution for anemia.

6. Practice Pranayama and Yoga

Breathing exercises like Kapalbhati and Anulom Vilom enhance oxygen flow in the body, supporting better blood circulation and healthier hair follicles.

Personalized Hairfall Solutions with MeVana

At MeVana, we understand that every individual’s hair concerns are unique. Through our comprehensive quiz analyzing 84 lifestyle and health factors, we create custom Ayurvedic blends tailored to your specific needs. Our solutions address the root cause of anemia and hair loss, helping you achieve your hair's natural vitality.

With MeVana’s personalized care, including a Dinacharya card and custom regimens, you’ll experience targeted solutions for lasting results.

Conclusion: Your Path to Healthier Hair

Addressing anemia and hair loss requires a holistic approach, combining internal nourishment and external care. By improving your diet, using effective hairfall solutions at home, and following Ayurvedic tips, you can restore your hair's strength and shine.

Take charge of your hair health today with simple, natural remedies and personalized care. Say goodbye to hair woes and hello to stronger, lustrous locks!

[drforambhuta]

Supportive care following chemotherapy employs a multifaceted approach to manage chemotherapy side effects, aiming to enhance patient comfort and treatment adherence. Strategies range from pharmacological interventions to lifestyle adjustments and complementary therapies.

To alleviate nausea and vomiting induced by chemotherapy, healthcare providers utilize antiemetic medications and complementary techniques like acupressure wristbands. Dietary changes, such as opting for bland foods and staying hydrated, also play a vital role in managing gastrointestinal distress.

Fatigue, another common side effect, is addressed through tailored physical activity plans and improved sleep hygiene practices, promoting overall well-being and energy levels.

Nutritional support, including dietary counseling and oral supplements, helps mitigate chemotherapy-induced changes in taste perception and appetite suppression, reducing the risk of malnutrition and weight loss.

Supportive care addresses the emotional impact of chemotherapy-induced hair loss by providing psychosocial support and practical interventions like scalp cooling or alternative hair coverings.

Peripheral neuropathy, characterized by tingling and numbness, is managed through pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions like pain medications and acupuncture to improve patients' sensory function.

Anemia and immune suppression resulting from chemotherapy are addressed through pharmacological interventions like erythropoiesis-stimulating agents and proactive infection control measures to minimize infection risks.

Supportive care extends to providing psychosocial support services, including counseling and integrative therapies like mindfulness-based stress reduction, to address the emotional challenges of cancer treatment and promote resilience.

There are many good hospitals in Mumbai that offer successful chemotherapy treatment followed by good supportive care to the patients to manage the side effects of treatment. For example, a full body health checkup at Jaslok Hospital Mumbai, which is one of Mumbai's best hospitals, following chemotherapy can help in providing the best supportive care to a patient after cancer treatment.

[writing-with-sophia]

Poison list

While it's important to approach writing with creativity and imagination, it's crucial to prioritize responsible and ethical storytelling. That being said, if you're looking for information on poisons for the purpose of writing fiction, it's essential to handle the subject matter with care and accuracy. Here is a list of some common poisons that you can use in your stories:

Hemlock: Hemlock is a highly poisonous plant that has been used as a poison in various works of literature. It can cause paralysis and respiratory failure.

Arsenic: Arsenic is a toxic element that has been historically used as a poison. It can be lethal in high doses and can cause symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, and organ failure.

Cyanide: Cyanide is a fast-acting poison that affects the body's ability to use oxygen. It can cause rapid loss of consciousness and cardiac arrest.

Nightshade: Nightshade plants, such as Belladonna or Deadly Nightshade, contain toxic compounds that can cause hallucinations, respiratory distress, blurred vision, dizziness, an increased heart rate, and even death when ingested.

Ricin: Ricin is a potent poison derived from the castor bean plant. It can cause organ failure and has been used as a plot device in various fictional works.

Strychnine: Strychnine is a highly toxic alkaloid that affects the nervous system, leading to muscle spasms, convulsions, and respiratory failure.

Snake Venom: Various snake venoms can be used in fiction as deadly poisons. Different snake species have different types of venom, each with its own effects on the body.

Digitalis: Digitalis, derived from the foxglove plant, contains cardiac glycosides. It has been historically used to treat heart conditions, but in high doses, it can be toxic. Overdosing on digitalis can cause irregular heart rhythms, nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances.

Lead: Lead poisoning, often resulting from the ingestion or inhalation of lead-based substances, has been a concern throughout history. Lead is a heavy metal that can affect the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, cognitive impairment, anemia, and developmental issues, particularly in children.

Mercury: Mercury is a toxic heavy metal that has been used in various forms throughout history. Ingesting or inhaling mercury vapors can lead to mercury poisoning, causing symptoms like neurological impairment, kidney damage, respiratory issues, and gastrointestinal problems.

Aconite: Also known as Wolfsbane or Monkshood, aconite is a highly toxic plant. Its roots and leaves contain aconitine alkaloids, which can affect the heart and nervous system. Ingesting aconite can lead to symptoms like numbness, tingling, paralysis, cardiac arrhythmias, and respiratory failure.

Thallium: Thallium is a toxic heavy metal that can cause severe poisoning. It has been used as a poison due to its tastelessness and ability to mimic other substances. Thallium poisoning can lead to symptoms like hair loss, neurological issues, gastrointestinal disturbances, and damage to the kidneys and liver.

When incorporating poisons into your writing, it is essential to research and accurately portray the effects and symptoms associated with them. Additionally, be mindful of the potential impact your writing may have on readers and the importance of providing appropriate context and warnings if necessary.

If you want to read more posts about writing, please click here and give me a follow!

[trendingarticles]

Can Iron Deficiency Cause Hair Loss? All You Need to Know

Table of Contents Introduction What is Iron Deficiency? What is Hair Loss? What is the Relationship Between Iron Deficiency and Hair Loss? Types of Hair Loss Caused by Iron Deficiency Symptoms of Iron Deficiency-Related Hair Loss Causes of Iron Deficiency-Related Hair Loss The role of other nutrients in hair health, such as zinc, biotin, and vitamin Balanced Nutrition for Optimal Hair…

[myninaross]

Anemia gave me hair loss! Here's how I fixed it.

Visit our new website that features more info and details on Hair Loss, Scalp Health, Extensions & more!

[keeryhours]

do you trust me? - eddie munson

Vampire! Eddie Munson x female! reader

Main Masterlist

Eddie Munson Masterlist

Summary:

Something about Eddie has changed.

Warnings:

Smut (18+), unprotected p in v, creampie, blood drinking, mentions of injuries and a near death experience

Word Count: 1.6k

A/N:

This is my first time writing something supernatural, so I’m a little nervous! This was written for horny poker in the discord, so in about 45 minutes. I just wanted to share it here! I hope you enjoy 💕 Thank you once again LOML Roz @punkrockmlchael for my banner!

Something was wrong with Eddie. He came back from the Upside Down…different.

You had been grateful he came back at all. He had nearly died there, Dustin crying his eyes out as he slowly dragged Eddie’s unconscious, mutilated body back to the trailer. You had nearly collapsed when you saw him, your boyfriend, covered in demobat bite marks and bleeding profusely. You didn’t understand how he was still alive. He shouldn’t be alive.

He spent weeks recovering in the hospital, you by his side the entire time. He was the old Eddie once he woke up, cracking jokes and making you smile even before he was out of the woods, as the doctors put it. But he made a full recovery, much faster than anyone expected. It was a miracle.

Then, something about Eddie began to change.

For one thing, Eddie had always been hot. But now he was otherworldly. His brown curls shined in the light in a way they never had before, never frizzy and always perfect. His chocolate doe eyes had darkened. His skin was clear and pale. And he never left the trailer anymore.

You assumed it was the trauma of what he’d been through, but he seemed in fine spirits whenever you’d visit. In fact, he was always in a good mood, happy to see you. But he wouldn’t leave.

You laid in bed with him now, cuddled beneath his arm and under his blankets. He always felt cold now. You wondered if he had developed some sort of anemia or some complication from the blood loss. But he was still your Eddie, and he still gave the best cuddles.

You had your leg thrown over his hip, and his hand rested on your thigh, rubbing small circles into it. You had been laying there in silence this whole time, just enjoying each other’s company.

Eddie moved then, placing a hand on the side of your head and turning you to look up at him. He gazed into your eyes with his nearly black ones, a gentle smile on his lips. “I love you. So much,” he said, and then he leaned in, pressing his soft lips to yours.

You kissed him back happily, and it didn’t take long for him to deepen the kiss, tongue dipping into your mouth and hand gripping onto your hip. You moaned into his kiss, and he moved on top of you, slotting his lithe body between your legs. His lips trailed down your jaw and to your neck, where he stopped.

“Baby,” he muttered, his voice a low rumble against your neck. He nuzzled into it, breathing in your scent, his lips just barely grazing your skin.

“Hmm?” You hummed, eyes closed as you were lost in the feeling of Eddie’s body on yours.

“Do you trust me?” He asked, his voice just as low as before. You could barely hear him.

“‘Course I do,” you said. Your hand absentmindedly played with Eddie’s hair as he continued nuzzling into your neck.

“Good,” he said. “I’m going to try something, okay? I need you to trust me.”

You nodded lightly. “Okay, Eds. I trust you.” And you did, wholeheartedly. You would follow Eddie to the ends of the earth.

“Okay. Just…okay.” Eddie nuzzled into your neck again, tongue darting out to taste your skin. You moaned at the feeling, as Eddie hummed in approval at the taste.

Then, you felt two sharp pricks impaled into your neck.

Your eyes went wide and you gasped, your instinct to push him away, but Eddie wasn’t moving. The pain shot through your body, but less than a few seconds later, it faded. Not only faded, but turned into the most warm, all encompassing bliss you’d ever felt in your life.

“Oh,” you moaned, eyes falling closed from the pure ecstasy of the feeling, of whatever it was Eddie was doing to you. Your mind went hazy, your brain clouding.

You felt the sharp pins disappearing from your neck, and all too quickly the bliss faded away. You were confused. Eddie pulled back, and looked you in the eyes.

He had blood smeared all around his mouth. His lips were parted, and you could see the sharp points of his canines. They had not looked like that five minutes ago. Your eyes were wide, fear struck into your heart. What the fuck?

“Do you still trust me?” He asked, nuzzling his forehead against yours. “Do you want me to continue?”

“I…” You had no idea what was going on, and you were pretty convinced you were dreaming. But with everything you’d seen in the Upside Down, nothing surprised you anymore. You would ask questions later. “You can keep going.”

Eddie smiled, and it looked sinister with the blood all over his lips and chin. He slowly lowered his lips to your ear.

“I’m going to make you feel so good, my little dove.”

He quickly peeled both of your clothes off, leaving you both completely naked. He lowered his head back to your neck, and you shivered, from the cold or from anticipation you weren’t entirely sure. “Ready?” He asked quietly.

“Mmhmm,” you hummed again, hands wrapped around his broad shoulders. You felt the pain again, making you jump, but then the bliss washed over your body a second time, relaxing every muscle.

Eddie drank from your body, the taste like nothing he’d ever experienced. Like the finest wine in the world, the sweetest nectar. It made him impossibly hard.

He reached between your bodies as he continued to drink, dragging his tip through your folds. You were wet, so wet, and you moaned at the feeling of him pressed up against your hole. He pushed inside, sinking every inch of his length into you. Did he get bigger?

Eddie slowly pulled his hips back before rolling them back into you. You let out a mix between a moan and a gasp, never having felt something so incredible in your life. He filled you perfectly as he drained you at the same time, it was…indescribable. The most perfect feeling that ever could have existed. The kind of full body bliss people chased their whole lives and never achieved.

Eddie moaned loudly as he continued his movements, his cock throbbing inside of you. It was like every drop of blood he drank from you was rushing straight to his pulsing cock. He fucked you slowly though, every single centimeter of movement absolute heaven. He wanted to savor it.

You could feel an orgasm quickly approaching already, and it had only been a few minutes. Your pussy was clenching around Eddie’s cock, only drawing hotter moans from him. “Eddie…I’m gonna…”

You didn’t even get the sentence out before an orgasm washed over you, turning your vision white, your ears ringing from the intensity. Your mouth dropped open in a silent scream of pure pleasure, back arching into Eddie’s body.

He sped up his thrusts, fucking into you a little harder and faster now. Eddie had never felt something as incredible in his life, this was nothing like any sex he’d ever experienced. The feeling of your hot blood running down his throat, into his body, filling him with warmth, pure euphoria. He never wanted this to end.

“Eddie, Eddie, oh god, oh god,” you moaned. You could feel that tension building in your belly again. You had never cum so close together like this, never experienced such an intense orgasm as the one you’d just had. You would think you’d need to recover, but no, oh god, you were-

“Eddie, baby, I’m gonna cum again, oh fuck-!”

You came even harder the second time, and you really did scream this time. If you had been less out of it, you might have worried about the entire trailer park hearing you.

Eddie let out the most sinful moan, fucking into you hard and fast now. His hips snapped into yours at a brutal pace, and your body felt weak beneath him, like you couldn’t even move, could do nothing but lay there and take the pleasure he was giving you.

Eddie’s free hand gripped bruises into your hip as he thrusted in one, two, three more times, before letting out a primal groan as he came inside of you more than he ever had before. His cock throbbed inside of you as he shot rope after rope of cum into your tight, wet, perfect pussy. It seemed endless, and you had never felt so full and blissed out in your life.

You felt Eddie remove his teeth from your neck first, his tongue licking up the excess blood that dripped down your skin, savoring every drop. Both of your bodies shuddered as he held you tight, his face still buried in your neck, breathing in your scent as he caught his breath and composed himself.

Finally he pulled back, looking down at you with his big dark eyes. “Are you okay?” He asked gently. “Was that okay?”

“That was…I don’t know what that was.” You laughed, breathless. “The most incredible thing I’ve ever experienced? The best sex I’ve ever had?”

He laughed, licking the blood off his lips. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. I didn’t know how to, uh…bring it up.”

“It’s okay,” you said, gently brushing his hair out of his face. “I’m glad you trusted me with it.”

“I’m glad you trusted me, enough to let me do this.” He leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to your lips, fangs gone now. “I love you. In life and in death.”

You smiled. “I love you, Eds.”

tagging some besties who may be interested :)

@punkrockmlchael @the-witty-pen-name @losingmygrasponreality @fizzing-imagines

[rezwrites]

Since we are in October… is there any chance you could write a Vampire!Agatha x reader?  Agatha finding the most delicious blood of her entire long life (Reader’s blood) and getting excited/horny when she drinks Reader’s blood

love your writing

thank you sm!!

Warnings: 18+ MDNI, TW needles/blood/phlebotomy/venipuncture, blood kink, violence, allusion to kidnapping, non consensual thigh riding, unconsciousness

a/n: sry for going overboard with this, but vampire!hematologist!Agatha was so fun to write, I had to make a moodboard! <3

Waiting in the hematologists office you wring your fingers with nervousness, simultaneously regretting not bringing a light jacket to combat the chill of the air conditioner. You’ve heard nothing but good things about this doctor, hoping for some form of a miracle after cycling through many specialists only to come up empty-handed. It’s worth the out-of-city drive if you get some answers this time.

The nurse calls your name, taking you back to an examination room. As the nurse takes your temperature and vitals, you explain what’s been going on, going through routine questions. After jotting everything down, she orders a quick blood test to test your levels. Leaving to retrieve her equipment you lied down as she instructed.

Turning your head you refused to see what was happening as she tied the tourniquet around your upper arm, the strong sting of the alcohol wipe wafting through your nose. Wincing at the poke of the needle entering your vein, you exhale deeply. The nurse patches you up, gathering the vials. You thank the nurse after she lets you know the doctor will be in soon, leaving the room.

Anxiety rises up again as you await the results, trying your best to keep your breathing steady. Running your eyes over the walls, you read the various degrees and accolades framed. It blew your mind that this woman has fifteen years of school under her belt, being a doctor is definitely not for the faint of heart. A sudden rapping on the door brings you out of your thoughts.

“Hello, I’m Dr. Harkness.” She steps into the room, casting a soft, comforting smile. Her wavy, brunette hair tied in a bun, some loose stands falling over her white coat. Closing the door, she sat on her chair.

“Well, your blood pressure was a little lower than it should be. Lab results showed that you have a decreased amount of red blood cells causing Anemia. Now, if it’s a sudden loss of blood somewhere or an underlying illness, we don’t know yet. It honestly astounds me how those other doctors failed to see this for so long.”

“From time to time I’ll wake up with a sore neck or wrist. And my problems will arise after that.” You added. She looks at you intently, cerulean eyes full of concern. Turning to her computer she started typing everything you had said into her system.

“Mhm and when was the last time you woke up like that?” She questioned.

“A few days ago.”

“And you said you noticed all this happening after you gave blood at a blood drive a few months ago.” She asked.

“Yes,” you confirmed. Finally, some form of an answer and one step closer to a treatment plan. It all hit you at once, there was no way to stop the floodgates.

She turned away from her computer, closing your chart, “I’d like to keep you overnight to observe your condition.”

Her face turned in worry and the sight of your tears, “Oh dear, I understand it’s scary.” She grabbed some tissues off the counter offering them to you.

Taking them you shook your head, drying your eyes, “I’m more relieved to have more or less an answer.”

She pulls some documents from the drawer, explaining that’s it’s a consent to overnight admittance form, “Don’t worry, I’ll give you a note for work if you need one, but it is imperative we get to the bottom of this as soon as possible.”

You nod, signing the paperwork before she put a patient wristband on you. Directing you to follow her she leads you deeper into the building, the atmosphere becoming more homey and welcoming, “This is where I keep my overnight patients, it’s more relaxed and calming than a hospital.”

Opening a wooden door there was a single bed with a television mounted on the wall. A small restroom in the corner and a medical cabinet next to the hallway door. She pulled a medical gown from the cabinet, instructing you to change, then lie down on the bed before exiting to give you privacy.

Re-entering the room she placed an IV bag on the counter moving towards the bed, “I’ll just hook you up to the monitor. I’ll also put you on an IV drip for the night as well, so you can get the vitamins you’ve been missing.” She clips the pulse oximeter to your finger, walking over to the cabinet against the wall grabbing everything she needs.

Once Agatha turned around with the needle in her hand, you turned your head away holding out your arm. Prepping and cleaning the crook of your arm, she warns you, “Small pinch.”

“Good girl.” Agatha praises slipping the cannula into your arm, securing it with tape connecting you to the cannula hanging the bag on the IV hook behind the bed, “here’s the remote for the television, press the call button if you need anything. I’ll be back soon to check on you.”

Dr. Harkness checked on you multiple times throughout the afternoon, making sure you were comfortable and not in any pain. She took another blood sample telling you she just wanted to see if your red blood cell count has increased. You’re truly thankful for her thoroughness and thoughtfulness. The warmth of the evening sun seeping through the small window of your room was causing you to grow drowsy, despite your earnest to stay awake in case anything came up. Unable to keep your eyes open any longer you texted your family, updating them before dozing off.

A soft knock on the door pulls you back into consciousness. Turning on the lamp you called out allowing the person on the other side to come in. Dr. Harkness steps through the door apologizing for the intrusion so late. Her hair loose, coat gone; a different air around her.

“So, good news I know exactly what’s wrong with you.” Agatha starts explaining, striding to the end of the bed, hands in her pants pockets. You listen close to what she has to say.

“Bad news is I’m not exactly going to help you.” She states matter of factly. You blanched at her words, heartbeat quickening. Eyebrows pulled together as you sat up, pressing your back deeper into the pillows.

“I mean, of course, I want you to be as healthy as possible don’t get me wrong, but I found the perfect snack in you at that blood drive.” Fear gripping you as Agatha stepped closer to the bed, her sinister smile showing her fangs, “I settled for rationing twice a month on you, but now that you’re here, I’d be a fool to let you get away this time.”

The room was now energized with malevolence. This woman, monster, was the cause of your problems. Why you can’t get out and enjoy your life anymore because you’re so dizzy and tired to do anything. Balling your fist, fingernails digging into your palms; knuckles turning white, “And when the police come? People know I’m here, if I don’t come home they’ll-”

“Easy. You went out the back where no cameras are, it’s easier to get to the parking lot that way than circling the whole building again. What happened after that nobody would have a clue.” Agatha countered, her smile was sickening, your stomach flipping.

“Even if, small if by the way, you managed to escape and get help who would believe that the good Dr. Harkness, was a vampire.” She started laughing in disbelief.

You eyes shifted between her and the door. Throwing the blanket off you you attempt to jump out of the bed, but Agatha was on you in a second wrestling you back down to the bed. Managing to get an arm free you landed a solid punch to her jaw, the pulse oximeter flying off your finger. Paralyzed with terror when her smile grew, completely unfazed by your punch, her eyes maniacal., “It’s just us here, feel free to scream all you want.”

As much as you wanted to, you couldn’t. Not a sound would come out. Pinning both your wrists in one hand, her other hand sliding off her slacks.

“I believe I got your neck last time,” her knees pushing up your gown as she shuffled up your body. Letting out a pleased sigh Agatha settled herself on your thigh.

Bringing one wrist to her mouth she didn’t waste any time sinking her fangs into you. The sharp, piercing pain elicited a cry from you, tears falling down your face. Agatha’s cold hand held your wrist tightly as she sucked roughly, hips rocking frantically.

“Absolutely divine.” Agatha growled out her ruby eyes holding yours as blood ran down your arm and her chin. She licks the blood running down your arm, her thighs tightening around yours. Tossing her head back as she shudders on top of you moan loudly, “Always so delicious.”

Your breaths grow shallow, everything is cold as you stare at the gray ceiling. A small whine escapes you, vision blurring as you teeter on the brink of consciousness.

“That’s it. Rest easy now.” Agatha voice is fading, “you’re going to need it.”

[princesscatherinemiddleton]

Really not meaning to be rude. But why do you think Catherine hasn't had her "maintenance" procedures before her first public appearance? I do believe she cares about her appearance a lot. There's nothing wrong with that. I looked at some photos when she wasn't smiling, and she didn't look her best. When we saw her at Christmas was the last time you could tell she had her usual stuff done. Now you can see her prominent frown on her forehead, which we really haven't seen a lot. Only when she's been pregnant because you can't have procedures done then. Do you think her cancer, chemo and or medication she's on doesn't allow for maintenance?

When I said I wanted more questions, this isn't quite what I meant.

I'm hoping there's some sort of language barrier because when I hear "maintenance", I think of a car, not a person.

First, Catherine looks great. Second, she stopped chemotherapy treatment less than 2 months ago. Chemotherapy side effects include exhaustian, nausea and vomiting, hair loss, anemia, bruising, mouth ulcers, loss of appetite, skin changes, sleep problems... the list goes on. If we stop thinking about chemotherapy for a moment, within the last ten months she has had serious abdominal surgery and cancer. Cancer itself can change your appearance due to the impact it has on your body. Perhaps she hasn't had time to do her make up. Perhaps being alive is more important to her than looking perfect.

Did you know that cancer patients - even those without hair loss - often look visibly but subtly different? To the point where cancer charities, such as Macmillan Cancer Support, have provided information for cancer sufferers on how to cope when people stare at them or give negative comments. Catherine is alive, currently healthy, and looks beautiful - whether she's had "maintenance" or not, that's her choice.

I've taken the liberty of finding academic journals to help make my point:

"Body image difficulties were found across patients with diverse cancer sites, and were most prevalent in the immediate postoperative and treatment period" - Managing Body Image Difficulties of Adult Cancer Patients: Lessons from Available Research (PubMed Central)

"Changed facial appearance after cancer can cause significant social difficulties and impact on the sense of self" - Cancer and changes in facial appearance: A meta-ethnography of qualitative studies (British Journal of Health Psychology)

"Changes in physical appearance that may result from cancer and its treatment may produce some psychological distress" - Changes in physical appearance and body image (Cancer and Work)

[baddieland09]

It’ll be okay

Warnings:fluff and angst

Summary:You and Spencer meet at a coffee shop but after losing his last relationship losing mave room a toll he isn’t sure if he’s ready to move off but he keeps finding himself at that bookstore waiting to see you again

Guys someone requested this in my comments so this is there request thingy

Word count:1,282

Spencer Reid x fem reader

—

I walk down the street looking for the bookstore I had been recommended from someone who knew how much I liked to read

When I had finally found it I was happy my legs burned a bit and in all honesty I was out of breathe

I open the door hearing a little ding sound letting the shop owner that someone had arrived

Walking down the aisle looking for the genre I liked I see a tall man with brown hair and..dressed like a grandpa?

I don’t know he was cute so I push aside the nervousness I felt and walk up to him I was gonna try to start a conversation

“Um Hi WHATS your name”

I smile at him when he looks at me

“Oh um Spencer…Reid”

I nod taking in the way he looks

“Do you know where the history books are I can’t fined them”

He nods as I see him glance off into the area behind me thinking

“The third row” he says a little awkwardly

I nod and smile at him

“Thank you”

I smile at him this time a little wider

He nods back and goes back to what he’s doing as I walk off hearing him leave the store quickly

I get my book and pay for it holding the small paper bag as I walk out looking for more stuff to do

For the next couple days I read my book thinking about our conversation

Didn’t matter where I was or what I was doing I had that book in my hands

I laid in my bed before finally finish the book and laying down deciding I was gonna go back to the book store Tommorow

When I did I was once again walking down the street I didn’t mind thr walk tho It was nice to see everything around me

I walk in seeing the same bookseller she smiles seeing me so I smiled and waved back

I was walking down the isle slightly hoping I’d see Spencer again he was so cute

I make it to the history section seeing a head of brown hair and tall figure and I imedantly smile

I see him just standing there looking like he was waiting for something or someone

I see him looking around before he had seen me and looks at the ground

I walk closer smiling at him

“Oh hey Spencer how have you been”

I was trying be nice to get him to talk to me more or my main goal was trynna get his number

I loved basically everything about him his hair,the way he dressed anything you could named I loved-

“Hi”

I smile at him he was so cute and nerdy

“Y/n my name is y/n”

He nods

“Did you like the book you got”

He suddenly asks me

“Yeah-yeah I did it was good”

He nods

“What book did you get”

He suddenly ask me which made me smile

“The radium girls”

He nods before I see him perk up a bit

“Did you know The women's illnesses included: Toothaches and loss of teeth Jaw necrosis Severe anemia Brittle bones The women's deaths were covered up by their employer, who blamed them on syphilis. The women's legal action led to changes in labor safety standards”

He says smiling a bit

“I didn’t know the last part”

He nods before continuing

“ The women's cases helped establish occupational disease labor law”

I smile at him listening before I finally get the nerves to speak up

“hey can I get your number”

I see him tense up and bit clearly I said something wrong or atleast Im my eyes

“Im sorry that was weird”

“No it’s okay but yes you c-can”

He writes his number in the book I was getting

“Bye y/n”

He waved awkwardly before leaving rhat was weird he didn’t even buy anything

I go to pay for the book the bookseller putting it in the same paper bag as before

“You know HES came in for the last couple days waiting a couple hours I think he was waiting for you”

I was shook at that “Waiting for me”

she nods smiling

“yes for you dear” I leave and later that night me and Spencer were texting a bit but he was being a little slow with reply’s

A couple days later he calls me asking if I wanna come over to his for a date of course I said yes who wouldn’t

He tells me he will be at my house by 7 aclock I quickly got into the shower and did everything else in my routine before sitting on my couch waiting for him

a hour later I hear him knock on the door quickly taking a deep breath and opening my door seeing him standing there with flowers

“I saw you staring at a book about these”

He hands my a bouquet of my favorite flowers

I smile taking them out his hand

“thank you”

We get to his car getting in before he starts driving towards his house

Once we get there he nervously opens the door letting me inside I see a table setup with candles and food on the stove the stove off before he turns it on

I notice a couple picture frames of a girl She had brown hair and palish pink skin I decide to ask him about it

“hey Spencer” he hums stiring something

“who’s the girl in the photos” he pauses before speaking a little more quietly

“she was my girlfriend for 10 months she was shot infront of me”

i just stand there in shock

“shot?” He nods before continuing

“im a profiler for the FBI” I just nod this was a lot of information to take in

“Im so sorry that happened”

“THATS why I was so cautious of you at first I thought you were pretty yes but I didn’t want you to get hurt cause you’d be in danger being with me is that something your willing to risk”

I nod and he just stands there

“are you sure” His voice almost broke

“Im sure”

I watch as he takes the food bringing it up to the table putting some on our plates both of us sitting down it was some type of spaghetti but it looked and smelled good

“It smells good”

He smiled at me

“Thank you”

We both begin to eat it was really good so I was eating a little fast

“Thank you for inviting me over”

I smile at him

“You’re welcome”

After we got finished he tells me I can go relax in the living room while he washes the dishes

I sat on his couch looking around He comes back and I smile at him as he sits down

“there’s a lot to talk about” He ended up telling me everything about him his job,teamtes,mauve and everything else

I just listened

“Spencer I don’t care about what you’ve done I care about you like a lot”

“we’ve only know each other for a little bit”

I nod he was right but I still had my point

“yeah but I Still care you know” He nods

“yeah”

I smile a bit

“does your little profiling thing tell you Im lying”

He looks me over for a second

“No” I nod

“we’ll your right” He smiles a bit

“Im hardy ever wrong” I laugh shoving him slightly

“I really like you Spencer” He nods

“We’ll I really like you too Y/n”

I lean in a bit and I see him hesitate before he does too our lips finally connecting he wraps his hands around the back of my head

“Itll be okay we’ll get thru this” I say into the kiss

He nods

“I know I like you too much to not try too”

[ao3komorii]

On the Hunt (Astarion/Reader)

Happy Halloween! I want to write something for Raphael eventually, but here's a shorter Astarion thing for now. Hope you enjoy the story :)

----

You had gotten very good at detecting when the light left his eyes.

It happened a lot less after Cazador had been felled, but often when Astarion had little else to focus on, his red eyes travelled back in time, back to his own world of pain and loss and hopelessness.

It didn’t help that with all that he had gained, he had lost the sun, left to see the light only from afar, his memories of its warmth nowhere near enough.

You had happily joined him in the night as you set out to cure him of his condition, but like anyone, Astarion still had bad days.

You had figured it was going to be a less good day when you had woken up in the middle of the day, your body sensing the absence of his next to yours. Drowsily opening your eyes, you easily spotted your silver-haired partner sitting at the edge of the bed, staring silently at a rectangle of light shining through a small slit between the curtains you had closed when you had first entered the room at the inn, as you always did.

You closed your eyes again, allowing Astarion his moment, knowing that you fussing over him every time would only make things worse. Instead, as you allowed yourself to fall back to sleep, you decided to do something to make tonight as exciting as you could to help give the vampire an escape from his losses.

When you woke next, Astarion was next to you in bed, his meditative pose telling you he was actually asleep. You stared at his peaceful resting face for a long moment before turning your focus to those still-closed curtains, the shade of the barely-visible sliver of light telling you that it was at least midday.

Setting about your pseudo-morning routine, you began to brainstorm a solid plan to distract Astarion from his ongoing plight.

He was likely starving for blood, you knew that much. Without a power-hungry cult looming constantly over your heads, there were much less fights to be had in cities that didn’t result in legal consequences, and you could only safely let him feed from you so often without risking your health. And without Withers around, you couldn’t risk your life quite as stupidly as you had before.

But it had been over a week since Astarion had last had your blood, and you had been considering finding a bandit camp or seeking out some wild animals just to get his mood up when an idea struck you.

It was perhaps a bit sooner than the two-week timeline you had both agreed on between larger blood donations, but you found yourself ensorcelled by the idea of putting on a little hunt for him, just with you as the prey this time. A little test of his instincts as it were, keeping your real reasoning close to your chest, not wanting him to think you were pitying him. And what was a little anemia if it was in the name of cheering up your beloved?

You were sitting at the small wooden desk in the room, itemizing your carefully-hoarded spell scrolls when Astarion came out of his trance, leaning down beside you before you realized he was even awake.

“You’re up early,” he remarked curiously, and you froze up in surprise, doing your best not to look like you had been caught in the act, casually reaching to hide your scroll of disguise self under a more conspicuous hypnotic pattern. “Now what could be so important that you decided to deprive me the pleasure of waking up next to my love?”

You shuffled your scrolls and maps into a messy pile, aware of how his sharp gaze followed the action with suspicion.

Turning from your papers to meet his eyes, you did your best to look innocuous. “I was thinking we could do something different today.”

“Oh?” Astarion’s face lit up with intrigue. “And here I thought I’d be in for yet another day of rifling through dusty old tomes written by dusty old men who haven’t even met a vampire, let alone possessed any useful information about one.”

You let out a huff of laughter, equally aware of the bad information streak you had been on for the last month, the most useful information coming from a thoroughly depraved romantic vampire novel that Astarion had found significantly too much enjoyment in reading out to you whenever he had gotten bored of reading whatever vampiric history tome he had discarded when its contents proved valueless.

“I was thinking–”

It was probably to your benefit that Astarion leaned in to kiss you, cutting off the sentence you hadn’t quite figured out how to phrase. The kiss was chaste, the smug vampire pulling back with a smirk, clearly enjoying having caught you off guard.

“You were saying, love?” he teased lowly, and you willed yourself not to fall for his distractions like you usually did.

“I was thinking we could go on a hunt today,” you said at last, Astarion raising an eyebrow in response.

“You know I always relish the chance for some meaningless violence, but why all of a sudden?” he asked, always way too perceptive for your own good. “What’s the hunt? It had better not be another cluster of ooze. It took me far too long to remove their slobber from my weapons the last time I had the misfortune of stabbing one.”

“No, no ooze,” you dismissed with a laugh. It wasn’t like you had wanted to do that job either, but it had gotten you the funds to pay for your last three inn stays. Summoning up your courage, you tried your best to not look as embarrassed as you felt. “I was thinking this time you could hunt… me.”

Astarion’s eyes glinted noticeably as he leaned in towards you, a hand resting on either armrest of your chair, his arms caging you in. “Am I to take this as a request of a more carnal nature? Because I am very willing to oblige.”

His voice was dripping with quiet ardor, the cheeky vampire using the tone he knew would lure you into bed with him every time, but not this time. You wanted something that would catch him off guard entirely, leaving no room in any part of his mind for his latent sadness to set in today. There would be plenty of time for sex later, once he had been fed.

“I was thinking more along bloodier lines,” you said, Astarion’s resulting frown at his seduction attempt failing more than a little cute. “I know we agreed to every two weeks, but I do have that vibrancy potion I’ve been saving.”

Astarion leaned back out of your space, looking quizzical, but not unhappy, so you took that as a sign to continue.

“Since this is a special occasion, I thought it might be fun to make you work for it,” you said with a conspiratorial smile. “Neither of us have been to this city before, so we’re on an even playing field. I was thinking if you can find me by sunrise, my blood is yours. As much as you want, since the effects of the vibrancy potion will last until then. If you can find me, that is.”

Astarion grinned wide, his pristine white fangs on full display. “Oh darling, I hadn’t taken you as someone who makes gambles they haven’t a hope of winning.”

You felt a flare of competition spark within you at his surety that he would win. Just because this was supposed to end with your blood on his teeth didn’t mean you were going to make this easy for him.

“If you’re so sure you’ll win, then maybe I’ll set off now and get a head start,” you shot back teasingly, reaching into your bag on the floor and downing the small vial of forest green vibrancy potion in one go before standing up, licking the last stray drop from the corner of your mouth to make sure the potion had maximum effectiveness.

Astarion’s eyes closed as he took a long inhale, which told you that the potion was indeed working as intended. When his eyes opened again, his pupils were blown wide, looking every bit the vampire ready for a hunt.

“Your blood smells even sweeter than the first time,” he spoke in a strained voice, posture so rigid he looked like he might snap if you moved an inch closer to him. “If I wasn’t such an honorable vampire, I’d already have you.”

Keeping any comments regarding his honor to yourself, you lifted your bag, sweeping the papers on the desk into it before slinging it over your shoulder, heading all the way to the door before turning your head back to face the shirtless, sleepy-haired vampire with a teasing smile.

“Good luck, Astarion,” you told him. Knowing how desperate for blood he had been the first time, he had to struggling even harder than he looked to be holding himself back right now.

“I don’t need luck,” he replied smoothly, sitting back down on the bed, hands fisting tightly onto the sheets. “There is nowhere you could hide where I can’t find you, my love.”

His sultry tone made you flush, and you quickly fled the room, knowing you had to go now before your willpower gave out.

Emerging onto bustling early evening streets, you knew that you had until the sun fell to find a place to hide. Making your way down the main street, you made sure to stop and chat up a perfume salesman, accepting a heavy dose of one of their floral samples in the hope that it would disguise the smell of your blood to the hungry vampire that would be on your trail within the hour. Your scent taken care of, now there was just the manner of your appearance.

Stopping by a busy clothing store, you stood before a long mirror in a deserted corner of the store, pulling out your disguise self scroll and getting to work.

You left the store a purple-skinned tiefling with long ruby-red hair, clad in a skimpy black dress with a long slit up the thigh, gold jewelry accenting your neck and illusory horns. If Astarion was looking for a disguise, you doubted he would think you would take on such a gaudy one, the stares of people as you passed telling you that you definitely looked the part of a lady of the night.

The sun had begun to fall as you walked the streets, intending on getting a decent distance away from the inn before finding somewhere to hole up when the dark set in. There was no doubt that Astarion would have the advantage in the dark, so you had to be as well-hidden as possible by then.

It felt too much like cheating to set up in a noisy tavern, though it wasn’t exactly like you had set any concrete rules before setting out, but still, you dismissed the fleeting idea. You wanted to make this hard for Astarion, not impossible. You didn’t often have enough gold for vibrancy potions anymore, so you wanted to make this one count, but Astarion would have to earn it first.

You had your momentary doubts that he would even agree to your proposal, given he had his moods sometimes, but his reaction had surpassed even your most hopeful expectations. You knew he wouldn’t be holding back, and you would hate yourself if you didn’t at least put up a fight.

You stopped to feign interest in a group of dragonborn musicians playing in a park as you considered your options further. You could cast a hypnotic pattern and pretend to be captivated by it as well? But you couldn’t sustain that one for long, and there was no telling when Astarion would pass by here. You could blur yourself, but that was likely to end up attracting his attention rather than evading it.

Lost in your thoughts, you took altogether too long to realize the passing of time, coming to the sudden realization that the sun was now just the tiniest sliver in the horizon. Astarion was definitely out by now, who knows for how long while you were zoning out.

You followed the crowd’s lead, clapping for the performers as you took subtle glances around you, not seeing any silver hair in the area. Still, you had wasted too much time here. You needed to move.

With most people in the park distracted by the performance, you were easily able to misty step your way across the park, exiting into what looked to be a district of… lesser repute. Here, there were women and men dressed in less than you were, hanging outside gaudy establishments and trying to draw customers in. You were just passing by a gnome and a scantily-clad human making out so loudly that you briefly wondered if either of them had ever kissed anyone now before when you ran into an issue.

“Haven’t seen yer sweet ass ‘round here before,” a male voice slurred, a large half-orc stepping into your view, or rather completely blocking it with his bulk.

“Excuse me,” you spoke flatly, immediately on guard. You moved to walk around him, but this only seemed to egg him on, as he moved in turn to step to the side and continue blocking your way.

“Ain’t no tieflings at tha bars, not anymore,” he spoke angrily, waving his arms wildly around as he talked, large axe glinting from its place on his back. “It ain’t the same when those other broads ain’t got no horns to grab while I plow ‘em!”

You could easily discern the reason why tiefling women seemed to become scarce around him, regretting that your choice of disguise had now led to this unexpected issue. You wouldn’t want to talk to this creep on a normal day, but you really didn’t have time now. You weren’t sure if your ego would survive being caught by Astarion less than an hour after the hunt had begun.

While you were confident that your disguise was flawless, the half-orc was being so loud that you would catch anyone’s attention right now. Looking around, you noticed the eyes of many of the seedy crowd were on you, but as expected, nobody was stepping in to help you, clearly wary of attracting the wrath of the drunk brute.

Sighing internally, you resolved to yourself to give this guy one more chance to leave you alone before you made him. What a mess you had managed to find yourself in.

“I’m not interested,” you said, not intimidated in the slightest by the half-orc who was at least a head taller than you. “I’m asking you nicely to walk away.”

The half-orc scoffed loudly, making a show of looking around, the onlookers all averting their gazes, not wanting to be involved, their eyes shifting back to you when the brute finished his overdramatic display before turning back to you with a cocked brow.

“Well I don’t see no man here ta claim ya,” he boasted loudly. “And Barorth don’t recognize no other claims on the womens he wants anyway!”

He would probably have been luckier if Astarion was here, the snarky vampire possibly content to mock the half-orc without him realizing rather than what you were going to do to him if he didn’t leave you alone.

“Not interested,” you repeated flatly, deathly intent plain in your voice, at least plain to anyone but this moron, who instead reached out to take one of your arms in his grasp.

“‘Nuff talkin’,” he grunted, hand clamping down on your arm. “Those tits are just–”

The second he touched you, you blinked, immediately activating eyebite, your eyes turning into teeth-ringed pools of black.

“Go,” you snarled at the half-orc, his grip falling from your arm instantly, an all-too-loud guttural groan leaving his mouth before he turned and ran. You didn’t dismiss eyebite until he was out of sight, glaring after him the entire way.

Taking a breath to calm yourself down, you blinked and your regular eyes returned. How much time had you wasted on that moron? He was lucky all you did was traumatize him, the brute likely to have suffered a much worse fate if it was Lae’zel he was hitting on. Hopefully he would leave any real tieflings alone after your little display.

Frustrated, you moved to the less busy side of the street, ignoring the people there who now stared at you in shock. You were far enough from Baldur’s Gate that very few people would recognize you even if you had your real appearance, but there was definitely going to be gossip spreading now about the tiefling escort that sent a half-orc running away with just a look.

And then you were striding past an alleyway, intent on figuring out your next move, when a hand darted out, clasping firmly around your wrist and pulling you into the alleyway, finding yourself quickly pinned to the stone wall by your assailant’s body.

Amused red eyes stared down at you, Astarion running one hand down your side to rest on your hip. “One hour and you’re already finding your way into trouble without me. Darling, I’m hurt.”

You knew he had you, despite your feigned appearance, but your pride wouldn’t allow you to give in so easily.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” you sniffed with very false confidence. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to–”

“Spare me,” he dismissed. “Did you really think you could hide from me in plain sight when I know your scent, your taste so… intimately?”

You wanted to protest further, but any words you were going to say turned into a pleased sigh as Astarion leaned in to kiss at your neck.

“You do make a rather fetching tiefling, my love, but I do think I prefer the you that I wake up next to every morning,” he spoke against your neck.

You smiled despite yourself, finally giving in and allowing the disguise to drop, Astarion holding you to him tighter in response, but his fangs still hadn’t made their way into your neck. The smell of your blood had to have been driving him crazy, he had said as much earlier, so then why hadn’t he claimed his reward yet?

“You win,” you conceded, unable to stay mad with your beloved so close to you, even in the dingy alleyway whose prior inhabitants had likely been either a murder or a messy hookup. “My blood is yours.”

At your words, Astarion pulled back from your neck entirely, further confusing you. Noticing your questioning look, he gestured out to the street, where some onlookers were barely visible, but their attention at least seemed to be on their own business now.

“I won’t be playing the part of the heinous vampire attacking the fair maiden and risking some do-gooder rushing to your rescue with a stake meant for my heart,” he explained disdainfully. “No, I think my prize would be better savored in a more private location.”

You could still see just how bad his hunger was getting to him, so it was obvious that you weren’t making it back to the inn. Looking out over his shoulder, you spotted a private enough looking rooftop several stories above some seedy-looking bar, placing your hand on Astarion’s arm as you summoned a dimension door.

“Good enough?” you asked, drawing Astarion’s gaze to the matching door waiting on the roof.

“Not quite the caliber of the Blushing Mermaid, but I can hardly be choosey when it means I get more of your delectable blood,” he answered.

That was as much of a yes as you figured you were getting out of him, and so you activated the door and found yourselves instantly transported to the actually-not-too-bad-looking rooftop.

It was barren, but clean. Seemed like nobody really came up here, as all that was on the roof were a couple ratty-looking chairs and a large rug that looked like it would be worth some money if it weren’t for a large stain on one corner that was either blood or red wine.

Stepping away before Astarion could get too carried away, you rummaged quickly through your bag, pulling out one of the many arcane lock scrolls you knew to keep on hand for situations like this, sealing the door so you wouldn’t be interrupted. Job done, you went to turn back around, not wanting to keep the vampire waiting.

“Well, I think we’re—”

Astarion was way closer than you expected, having silently closed the gap between you while your back was turned.

Shaking off your momentary surprise, you smiled at him, turning your head and pulling your hair back so your neck was left bared for him to drink from. So you were caught off guard when he instead backed you up against the door, caging you in with his body and catching your mouth with his own.

While you were confused, you weren’t opposed, your eyes sliding closed and arms coming up to rest against his chest, the gentle buzzing of the magical lock against your back all but forgotten at the things Astarion’s tongue was doing to your own.

You were having a hard time telling if he was actually this turned on, or if he had just turned his switch on, as much as you had tried to break him of the habit of feeling like he had to perform sexually if he wasn’t feeling it. Recognizing you should probably make that discernment now, you pulled back from the kiss, Astarion’s lips shifting to kiss at your neck.

“It’s okay if this is just for blood,” you spoke, trying to keep your voice steady despite Astarion suckling on a particularly sensitive spot. “You don’t owe me anything for my blood if you don’t want to.”

Astarion pulled back from your neck at last, no bites taken, instead reaching a hand down to take your leg in his grasp, pulling it around one hip and using the opportunity to grind his clearly hard cock into you, the resulting feeling fluttering your lashes as you tried desperately to focus on the seriousness you were trying to inject into the moment.

Astarion saw your serious expression and only smiled, a small little smile so unlike the openly flirtatious ones he used to send your way back when you had first explored each other’s bodies.

“Trust me darling, you mean far too much to me to ever treat you like you’re a favor to be traded in,” he spoke quietly, hips still rolling into yours as he spoke. “You’ve given me too much to ever be repaid. But no need to fret, my reasons for wanting your body now are just my own selfish lust.”

He didn’t need any words from you to know he had you, one broken moan at his hips rutting perfectly against yours enough of a response for him to return to your mouth, one hand sliding under your dress to press firmly on your clit as you kissed fervently, doing your best to keep up with his tongue as you felt warm enough for the both of you even on the chilly rooftop.

The greedy vampire could only go so long without claiming his reward, mouth moving to your neck the second he felt you getting close, sinking his teeth into you at last as he barraged your clit with attention, the twin sensations of blood loss and orgasm feeding off each other in beautiful harmony, Astarion prolonging your peak with his talented fingers as he drank from your neck until you laid boneless against him, panting above his head.

“I love you,” you breathed, Astarion breaking from your neck to return the sentiment with a bloodstained smile.

And then it was your turn, pulling him to your mouth and grinding up into him, the vampire’s own panting breaths loud against your mouth. Astarion moved his hips back into yours, his pace nothing like the practiced, even rhythm he’d had back when he was playing the part of what he had thought you would like. His groans now were entirely his body’s reaction to yours, and the thought burned deeply in your core.

Neither one of you content to keep things going with clothes still on, your hands moved to the clasp holding your flimsy dress together, while Astarion smoothly discarded his own pants, his hands then coming back to maneuver you onto your back on the non-stained section of the rooftop rug, your dress splayed out under you helping to guard against the slightly rough texture of the rug.

“This is a sight I will never tire of,” Astarion groaned, ripping his shirt up over his head, his underwear following and leaving him entirely bare to your wanting gaze.

He looked every bit the vampiric seductor in that horrible novel he liked to bother you with, red eyes and bloody mouth gleaming in the sparse light the rising moon provided.

You watched his expression spark with debauched pleasure as it was plainly obvious how wet you were as he practically peeled your underwear from you, one hand returning to work at your clit, his own cock looking so hard that it must hurt.

“Astarion, please,” you begged, reaching out for him, your lover effortlessly evading your grasp as he worked you closer and closer to orgasm.

“Not yet, my love,” he chided lowly, knowing you could do little to resist his efforts right now. “I rather enjoy getting you so worked up. I could spend hours listening to your pretty cries as I bring you over the edge again and again, but I suppose that potion is only good until sunup, and I am so hungry.”

“Then come here,” you prompted, already feeling clearheaded from the vibrancy potion rejuvenating your blood supply so quickly.

“How could I refuse?” he replied happily, slotting himself between your legs.

Wrapping your legs around his back, you pulled him down, the vampire smoothly lining his cock perfectly to hit deep inside you as you pulled his mouth to your neck.

“You are too perfect,” Astarion murmured against your neck before biting down.

You decided it was better for you to start strong while you still had the blood supply to energize you, using your legs around his hips to start a slow but deep rhythm. Astarion needed very little coaxing to keep up, one hand coming up to angle one of your legs higher, the resulting shift making you cry out as he started to hit against a spot inside you that only he had ever been able to find.

You had always prided yourself on being the talker of your little group, able to talk your way in or out of trouble when needed. But here, under the snarky vampire you had come to cherish more than anything, you were wordless, barely able to manage more than his name as Astarion moved his focus from your neck to thoroughly ruin you, blood-red smirk telling you he knew exactly what he was doing with every grind of his hips.

It took almost embarrassingly no time for you to finish again, Astarion’s keen senses picking up on it immediately without you having to say a word.

“I do so like to see you like this, darling,” he said, slowly his pace down as you came down from it. “So thoroughly ravaged that you couldn’t recite a spell if you tried.”

You knew that he wasn’t unaffected, the slow roll of his hips telling you that much, but you found yourself determined to exhaust him just as badly, a tall order for someone of his stamina, but you were going to try your best.

With as much grace as you could manage with legs that felt like jelly, you withdrew from under him, pushing him back so he was sitting back, staring at you with loving eyes more black than red as you climbed onto his lap, settling back down on his cock, intent on riding him until he lost himself.

Astarion’s hands quickly found the back fastenings of your bra, unhooking it with a satisfied growl and tossing the garment aside, allowing him access to lean down and lave kisses and bites across your chest as you continued to ride him hard.

You were slamming your hips into his now, running a hand through his hair, his increasingly loud groans of your name telling you that he was finally getting close. With a shuddered breath, his hands went down to your hips, holding you still against him as he came, teeth sinking into your neck once again in tandem.

You slowly stroked his hair, in no rush to free yourself from his embrace, even as you could feel stray droplets of blood running down your neck and onto your chest.

With a pleased sigh, Astarion’s hands went from your hips to around your back, pulling back from your neck to see you smiling at him, the sight sending him leaning forward to kiss you, his peaceful expression one you could look at forever and never get tired of.

“Here I was thinking all I had to thank that grotesque nautiloid for was my freedom,” he mused between kisses. “If it hadn’t found you too, I’d probably be dead, hunted by that gur and delivered to my death. Never thought I’d be so grateful to a damn illithid for plucking me off the street.”

“Yeah,” you smiled. “This makes even the whole parasite insertion thing worth it, if I get to be here like this with you.”

“How sweet,” he huffed in response. “I however could have done without Gale’s lectures on morality. And Lae’zel’s snoring.”

“And the Withers lecture about how you were distracting me from my quest,” you added with a laugh, recalling the at-the-time awkward talk with the skeletal man the morning after you and Astarion had first slept together.

“I don’t know about that, my dear,” Astarion replied slyly. “You did seem a touch distracted after that first night. I recall you stepping on several fire mines that Shadowheart had warned us of not five minutes before. Hard to blame you though, I mean really, just look at me.”

“Having fun?” you sulked, pulling back from him to cross your arms across your chest, trying to appear annoyed but fully aware your point was not well made considering he was still inside of you.

Astarion didn’t let you get far, arms pulling you back in. “Not so fast, my love. As I recall, my reward was to last until sunrise, and I intend to reap it in full.”

[sizzlingcandyjellyfishhhhhh]

you take so many supplements! (im admiring)

if you're comfortable, what are they and what have you noticed them helping in particular from your own experiences? i'm stuck on olly gummies, but the collagen one helps my hair at least!

alright I take magnesium, omega 3, zinc, keratin, biotin, iron, vitamin D, NAC, and soon also calcium

magnesium helps with sleep. many ed sufferers experience insomnia due to restriction. this helps with that

iron helped resolve some of my heart abnormalities. when I took my blood pressure + heart rate back in summer, both were extremely high. this proved to be a consistent trend not just one odd result. after taking iron consistently for a few months I did the blood pressure test again and while my heart rate was still high, it was less so and my blood pressure was completely normal. apparently this can be caused by anemia

vitamin d can help with mood, I believe. it also helps certain other vitamins be absorbed.

keratin and biotin helped with hair loss I experienced as a result of restriction. I think the keratin helped more than the biotin did.

calcium can help with ed related osteoporosis in women

zinc helped with energy, libido, and general vigor a lot. highly highly recommend

omega 3 can help with brain function and skin/hair